10 replies to this topic

[DCP]

Can anyone point me to a "how to" on removing and replacing the cylinder head? I possess only modest mechanical skills, but want to learn. 

 

I have a 96. I found a 97 factory manual online and printed the relevant section. I found the timing belt instructions on Miata.net.  I was hoping to find someone's Miata cylinder head step by step, but so far have not been successful. 

[trimless]

I know several local racers that would help you in exchange for a few beers and maybe some free lawyer-ing advice

 

Cylinder head R&R is really easy on these cars. The more you do it the easier and faster it is like anything else. 

 

Rotate the engine to TDC on #1 cylinder.

Then Disconnect:

 

All wiring/sensor connections and remove coil / plug wires.

Disconnect exhaust manifold and pull back to allow head removal. If downpipe has the bracket bolted to tranny remove the single bolt in bracket to allow the down pipe to be moved back.  I disconnect the downpipe to exhaust bolts also.

Disconnect fuel line connections to fuel rail (loosen fuel filler cap, just do it)

Remove radiator fan to allow better access to timing belt (some remove radiator but I don't think this is necessary)

Disconnect upper radiator hose, coolant hose at water pump and heater hose at rear of head.

Get the alternator belt off the water pump pulley, remove water pump pulley.

Remove valve cover and front of engine plastic covers to get at timing belt to release tension and get belt off of the cam sprokets.

Loosen cylinder head bolts (dont use power tools here), remove all bolts and be sure to remove the steel washers that are on each bolt.

Lift cylinder head slowly, you most likely left something attached so if it hangs up find out what was missed.

 

I like to remove and install the head with the intake manifold attached. It is just easier for me that way, but you can do it either way.

Also, get the car up on jack stands before you start so you can get under the car and it is just easier to work on the car when elevated a bit.

I am sure I left out a step or 2, so use this as a basic guideline and let me know if I can help.

 

 

 

 

 

 I remove the head with the intake manifold attached and install the same way. The most difficult part of head install for me was to get at all the nuts on the intake so I just install the head with the intake manifold on.  The FSM for a 97 should have all you need for instructions

[LarryKing]

Step 1 - always: disconnect battery

 

Before step one, order gasket kit from MazdaSpeed. Tell them what you're doing and they'll fix you up.

[DCP]

I know several local racers that would help you in exchange for a few beers and maybe some free lawyer-ing advice

All my racer friends live too far away! Advice for them is always free anyway so that offer won't do any good.

[john mueller]

All my racer friends live too far away! Advice for them is always free anyway so that offer won't do any good.

 

Beverages can be shipped :-)

[trimless]

Step 1 - always: disconnect battery

 

Before step one, order gasket kit from MazdaSpeed. Tell them what you're doing and they'll fix you up.

I leave the battery connected so I can light my cigar with the sparks. Never have a lighter when I need one.

[Brandon]

I thought that's what the wall-mounted sheet plate & angle grinder hanging from the rope was for?

[miata4me]

How long does it take, on average, to change a cylinder head?

 

Can you reuse the original head bolts or do they need to be replaced?

[chris haldeman]

Takes me about 1 hour. Bolts can be reused. I've done a few so plan on around 3 hours for a new guy

[davew]

Experienced Miata guys on a clean engine can do it in an hour.

 

If you are asking this question, you obviously are not an experienced auto mechanic. And you probably have an engine that has never been apart.

 

I would expect 10 hours of your time to do the r and r. Plus another 2-3 for cleaning.

 

That also assumes no studs break.

 

Dave

[FTodaro]

How long does it take, on average, to change a cylinder head?

 

Can you reuse the original head bolts or do they need to be repla

Yes but you want to use 30 wt oil on the them when you reinstall to get tq right. follow the manual (need to have a manual)  on the order and process of taking them on and off. You will find some video on line about how to line up the timing belt, to save time and second guessing put motor at TDC then mark the timing belt on the cam wheels and crank and then just line up the marks on the install. give your self time to do this so you can ask questions along the way. Take pictures as you go so you know how things should look,

 

Call Dave Wheeler at 2am with questions, he really likes that.