1991 MAZDA MIATA timing

MAZDA
1.6L & 1.8L 4-Cylinder - 1986-95
MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
For 1992 and earlier model years, the manufacturer recommends the belt be replaced every 60,000 miles. For
1993-95 model years, the manufacturer recommends the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals for vehicles
sold outside of California. For vehicles sold in California, inspect timing belt at 60,000 and 90,000 miles, and
replace timing belt at 105,000 miles.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
TIMING BELT
Removal (MX-3, Protege & 323)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support vehicle. Remove right front wheel. Remove right
splash panels.
2. Remove drive belts and water pump pulley. See Fig. 1
, Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 . Align crankshaft pulley timing
mark with cylinder No. 1 at TDC of compression stroke. Hold crankshaft stationary, and remove
crankshaft pulley bolts and pulley. Remove crankshaft pulley hub bolt and hub.
3. Remove timing belt covers. If timing belt is to be reused, mark timing belt rotation direction. Align
timing marks on camshaft sprocket(s). See Fig. 4
(SOHC) or Fig. 5 (DOHC) . Loosen timing belt
tensioner lock bolt. Temporarily secure tensioner away from belt with spring fully expanded. Remove
timin
g belt.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAZDA 1.6L & 1.8L 4-Cylinder - 1986-95

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAZDA 1.6L & 1.8L 4-Cylinder - 1986-95
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:12:43 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:12:56 PMPage 1 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Timing Belt & Components (1989 SOHC)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAZDA 1.6L & 1.8L 4-Cylinder - 1986-95
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:12:44 PMPage 2 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 2: Exploded View Of Timing Belt & Components (1990 & Later SOHC)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAZDA 1.6L & 1.8L 4-Cylinder - 1986-95
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:12:44 PMPage 3 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 3: Exploded View Of Timing Belt & Components (DOHC Except MX-5 Miata)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAZDA 1.6L & 1.8L 4-Cylinder - 1986-95
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:12:44 PMPage 4 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 4: Aligning Camshaft Timing Marks (SOHC Engines)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAZDA 1.6L & 1.8L 4-Cylinder - 1986-95
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:12:44 PMPage 5 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 5: Aligning Camshaft Timing Marks (DOHC 1.8L Engines)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Removal (MX-5 Miata - DOHC)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system. Remove radiator hose and by-pass hoses from
thermostat housing. Remove air cleaner intake duct assembly from throttle body to air cleaner filter
housing. Remove splash shield.
2. Remove drive belt(s) and water pump pulley. See Fig. 6
. Align crankshaft pulley timing mark with
cylinder No. 1 at TDC of compression stroke. Hold crankshaft pulley stationary. Remove crankshaft
pulley bolts. Remove pulley. Remove crankshaft pulley hub bolt and hub.
3. Remove cylinder head cover. Remove upper, center and lower timing belt cover. If timing belt is to be
reused, mark timing belt rotation direction. Ensure timing marks on camshaft sprockets are aligned. See
Fig. 7
. Loosen timing belt tensioner lock bolt, and move tensioner away from belt with spring fully
expanded. Remove timin
g belt.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAZDA 1.6L & 1.8L 4-Cylinder - 1986-95
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:12:44 PMPage 6 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 6: Exploded View Of Timing Belt & Components (DOHC MX-5 Miata)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAZDA 1.6L & 1.8L 4-Cylinder - 1986-95
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:12:44 PMPage 7 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 7: Aligning Camshaft Timing Marks (DOHC MX-5 Miata)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Inspection (All Models)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAZDA 1.6L & 1.8L 4-Cylinder - 1986-95
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:12:44 PMPage 8 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.