Genuine Mazda MX-5 Miata Timing Chain

Mazda MX-5 Miata Timing Chain Parts and Q&A

• Timing Chain
  LF7A-12-201
  Q: Is the Crankshaft Timing Gear and Timing Chain procedure applicable on Mazda MX-5 Miata?

  A:

  This process can only be applicable to 2006 and above models. The timing mechanism is complicated, and in case of any error made, the engine can easily suffer serious damages and, as such, this kind of repair needs the highest level of experience. In case of doubt, it is advisable to seek the services of an expert. Start with heating the engine and emptying the engine oil. Take out the battery and battery tray, the air filter housing and the Valve Cover. With the drive belt still attached, loosen the water pump pulley bolts and idler pulley bolt then remove the drive belt and tensioner. The second step is to delete the water pump pulley and the bigger front engine under-cover. Before removing the CKP sensor, disconnect electrical connector on the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor, unclip the wiring harness and get it out of the way of the timing chain cover. Take off the cylinder block lower blind plug on the right hand side of the engine and screw the special timing pin into the hole. Start rotating the crankshaft clockwise till it stops to align the No. 1 cylinder to TDC. Secure the crankshaft pulley, loosening the crank pulley bolt and scrape the crankshaft pulley off. The timing pin is designed to freeze the crankshaft at TDC and not to freeze it and then loosen the crank pulley bolt. Before installing the crankshaft pulley back in place, do not take out the timing pin, and do not turn the crankshaft with the pin in place. Take out the cover bolts and the cover. Should camshaft sprockets have to be removed then loosen sprocket bolts. Timing chain tensioner is to be carefully compressed and a pin fixed. Disconnect the tensioner and the timing chain guides, right and left and proceed to remove the timing chain. Clean everything and check the chain tensioner, guides and timing chain of undue wear and tear. When rotating the crankshaft with your hands, it is important to ensure that you do not less than 2 full revolutions before your engine starts to rotate. In case the ratchet on the timing chain tensioner has to be reset then follow the relevant steps. Installation of timing chain tensioner and tightening of the mounting bolts is required without loosening the pin. Install left and right chain guides and make sure they are properly placed. In case camshaft sprockets were not taken off, place them back on and connect the bolts. Install the cams shanking bolts then insert the cams using camshaft alignment tool. Take out the pin in order to relieve the tensioner, making sure that it pulls against the right chain guide. Wipe the mating surfaces of the timing chain cover, replace the front Crankshaft Seal and put a coat of RTV sealant on the mating surfaces then fit the cover. Screw up the timing cover bolts in a slow and steady manner. Apply a little of clean engine oil to the front seal of the crankshaft and install the crankshaft pulley and hand tighten the new bolt. Fit the crank pulley with the timing chain cover and fit a crankshaft pulley alignment bolt. Tight up the crankshaft pulley bolt and ensure that the camshafts are in the right position by the use of the camshaft alignment tool. The engine starts at the right time with all the alignment tools. After verification, pull away crankshaft pulley holding tool, alignment bolt and timing pin and make two full revolutions of the engine. Check timing again then install CKP sensor. The rest of the installation is in the opposite sequence of the removal.