1997 MAZDA MX-5 check oil

RECTIFIER/DIODE ASSEMBLY
1. Using an ohmmeter, check continuity of each diode in both directions (polarity). See Fig. 2
thru Fig. 4. If
diode shows high resistance in one direction and low resistance in other direction, diode is okay.
2. If diode shows low resistance in both directions, diode is shorted. If diode shows high resistance in both
directions, diode is open. If any diode is defective, replace rectifier assembly.
ROTOR & SLIP RINGS
Measure resistance between rotor slip ring contacts. See Fig. 5
thru Fig. 9 . If resistance is not within
specification, replace rotor. See ROTOR RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS
table. Check continuity
between individual slip rings and rotor core/shaft. If continuity exists, replace rotor.
ROTOR RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS
STATOR
Check continuity between stator coil leads and stator core. See Fig. 5
thru Fig. 9 . If continuity exists, replace
stator. Check continuity between leads of stator coil. If continuity does not exist, replace stator.
BRUSHES
Replace brushes if worn to limit line. See Fig. 5
thru Fig. 9 . Replace brush springs if corroded. For brush
replacement procedure, see OVERHAUL
.
Application(1) Ohms
Miata3.5-4.5
(1)If continuity does not exist, replace rotor.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
GENERATOR & REGULATOR 1997 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Mazda - Generators & Regulators
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Submerge other end of hose in container of brake fluid.
2. Fill reservoir with DOT 3 brake fluid. Have an assistant press and release clutch pedal several times, then
hold pedal down. With pedal pressed, loosen bleeder screw to let air and fluid escape.
3. Repeat step 2) until no more air bubbles emerge from hose. Tighten bleeder screw. Fill reservoir. Operate
clutch while inspecting for leaks. Check clutch and brake operation.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Removal (B2300, B2500, B3000 & B4000)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Shift transmission into Neutral. Remove gearshift lever. Raise and
support vehicle. Mark drive shaft flanges for installation reference. Remove drive shaft. Using Clutch
Disconnect Tool (T88T-70522-A), disconnect hydraulic line at transmission. See Fig. 2
. Plug hydraulic
line to prevent contamination. Disconnect wiring at transmission.
2. Remove starter. Remove exhaust components as necessary for clearance. On 4WD models, remove skid
plate and transfer case. On all models, secure transmission jack under transmission. Remove transmission
mount-to-crossmember nuts and bolts.
3. Remove nuts securing crossmember to frame side rails, and remove crossmember. Lower transmission
enough to gain access to transmission-to-engine block bolts. Remove transmission-to-engine block bolts.
Remove transmission.
4. If clutch parts are going to be reused, mark clutch cover and flywheel for reassembly reference. Loosen
pressure plate bolts evenly in crisscross pattern until springs are not under tension. Remove clutch cover
and clutch disc.
Inspection (B2300, B2500, B3000 & B4000)
1. Inspect disc for loose rivets, worn or defective springs, excessive wear, or oil contamination. Inspect
flywheel and clutch cover for burns, scoring, or grooves.
2. Measure flywheel and clutch cover runout. Resurface or replace flywheel and clutch cover if beyond
specification. See CLUTCH RUNOUT (MAXIMUM)
table.
3. Measure clutch disc runout. Replace disc if it is not to specification. See CLUTCH RUNOUT
(MAXIMUM) table. Inspect disc hub and input shaft splines for excessive wear. Hub must slide
smoothly on input shaft splines.
4. Inspect pilot bearing for wear. Apply inward pressure while rotating pilot bearing. If bearing sticks or has
excessive resistance, replace bearing. Check for tight fit in crankshaft. Replace as necessary. Inspect
release bearing for smooth operation, wear, damage, or looseness. Replace bearing as necessary.
CLUTCH RUNOUT (MAXIMUM)
ApplicationIn. (mm)
Disc0.028 (0.7)
Flywheel0.008 (0.20)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
CLUTCH 1997-98 CLUTCHES Mazda - RWD
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Fig. 7: Exploded View Of Clutch Assembly (Typical)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Inspection (Miata)
1. Inspect disc for loose rivets, worn springs, excessive wear, or oil contamination. Inspect flywheel and
clutch cover for burns, scoring, or grooves.
2. Measure flywheel and clutch cover runout. Resurface or replace flywheel and clutch cover if beyond
specification. See CLUTCH RUNOUT (MAXIMUM)
table. If flywheel ring gear is replaced, ensure
chamfer on flywheel teeth faces engine.
3. Measure clutch disc runout. Replace disc if it is not to specification. See CLUTCH RUNOUT
(MAXIMUM) table. Inspect disc hub and input shaft splines for excessive wear. Hub must slide
smoothly on input shaft splines.
4. Inspect pilot bearing for wear. Apply inward pressure while rotating pilot bearing. If bearing sticks or has
excessive resistance, replace bearing. Check for tight fit in crankshaft. Replace as necessary. Inspect
release bearing for smooth operation, wear, damage, or looseness. Replace bearing as necessary.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
CLUTCH 1997-98 CLUTCHES Mazda - RWD
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axle shaft housing. Remove axle oil seal. See Fig. 5. With axle shaft removed, remove retaining ring.
Remove ABS sensor rotor.
4. To remove bearing collar, grind collar until a section about .02" (.50 mm) remains. Using chisel, cut
remaining bearing collar from axle shaft. Using Puller (49-S121-520A), remove axle bearing from axle
shaft. Remove dust shield and backing plate.
5. Using dial indicator and "V" blocks, check axle shaft for straightness. Maximum axle shaft runout
is .059" (1.50 mm). Also check axle shaft splines for wear and damage. Use a press to replace wheel studs
as necessary. DO NOT reuse wheel studs if removed.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Lubricate oil seal lip before replacement. Use Attachment (49-1011-748)
and a press to install axle bearing onto axle shaft. DO NOT lubricate bearing collar before replacement. Use
Attachment (49-1011-748) and a press to install NEW bearing collar. If press fit of collar requires less than 2.7
tons (2699 k
g) to install, replace axle shaft. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata
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Fig. 12: Checking Drive Pinion Installation & Position
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
6. Install dial indicator on Pinion Height Gauge (49-0727-570). Place pinion height gauge on a flat surface
and zero dial indicator. Position gauge block on top of dummy drive pinion assembly. See GAUGE
BLOCK SELECTION table.
GAUGE BLOCK SELECTION
7. Place pinion height gauge on top of gauge block. Position dial indicator to measure distance to a point
where side bearing sits. Measure lowest point. See Fig. 12
. Measure both sides. Add both measurements
together and divide by 2.
8. If result is not zero, replace pinion spacer. Spacers are available in a range of .1213-.1366" (3.080-3.470
mm) in .001" (.03 mm) increments. Remove dummy drive pinion. Press rear bearing onto drive pinion.
9. Install drive pinion, spacer, front bearing, collapsible spacer and companion flange in differential carrier.
DO NOT install pinion oil seal yet. DO NOT exceed one-ton force; collapsible spacer will be damaged.
10. Install washer and drive pinion lock nut. Temporarily tighten drive pinion lock nut. Turn companion
flange by hand to seat bearing. Using torque wrench, tighten drive pinion lock nut to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Check pinion bearing preload at drive pinion lock nut. See PINION
PRELOAD SPECIFICATIONS table. If pinion bearing preload is not as specified, replace collapsible
spacer and recheck preload.
PINION PRELOAD SPECIFICATIONS
11. Remove drive pinion lock nut, washer and companion flange. Install pinion oil seal. Lubricate oil seal lip
with differential oil. Install companion flange and washer. Install NEW drive pinion lock nut and tighten
to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Recheck pinion bearing preload. Lubricate end of
companion flange with grease.
12. Position differential assembly into differential carrier. Install side bearing adjusters. Position side bearing
caps. Align marks made during disassembly. Install side bearing cap bolts and hand-tighten bolts.
13. Ti
ghten side bearing adjusters equally until adjusters contact bearing races. Mark ring gear in 4 locations,
ApplicationGauge Block No.
Front Differential
MPV
4WD49-0305-555
Rear Differential
Miata49-0305-555
MPV49-0660-555
ApplicationINCH Lbs. (N.m)
Miata7.8-12.1 (0.9-1.3)
MPV 2WD11.3-15.6 (1.3-1.8)
MPV 4WD
Front7.8-12.2 (0.9-1.4)
Rear11.3-15.6 (1.3-1.8)

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - MPV & MX-5 Miata
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1997-98 ENGINES
1.8L 4-Cylinder
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Engines can be identified by engine model and number. See ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODE. On Miata,
engine model and number are stamped on flange at upper right rear of cylinder block deck, as viewed from
flywheel. On Protege, engine model and number are stamped on flange at upper left rear of cylinder block deck,
as viewed from flywheel.
ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODE
ADJUSTMENTS
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE & PRIMING
Releasing Pressure (Miata)
Locate and remove fuel pump relay from under left side of dash, near steering column. Start engine and allow to
stall. After engine stalls, attempt to restart engine to ensure no residual pressure exists. Turn ignition off and
reinstall fuel pump relay. When disconnecting fuel hoses, cover connection with shop rag to catch fuel leakage.
To avoid excessive cranking after servicing, prime fuel system before starting engine.
Releasing Pressure (Protege)
NOTE: For repair procedures not covered in this article, see ENGINE OVERHAUL
PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
ApplicationCode
Miata & Protege (1.8L DOHC)BP
NOTE: Valve clearance is not adjustable. Some Hydraulic Lash Adjuster (HLA) noise
may occur during engine start-up. Noise should disappear after engine reaches
normal operating temperature. If noise persists and oil level is okay, change
engine oil. If oil change does not reduce noise, check with manufacturer for
modified HLA.
NOTE: For reassembly reference, label all electrical connectors, vacuum hoses and
fuel lines before removal. Also place mating marks on engine hood and other
major assemblies before removal.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
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Inspection (All Models)
Check timing belt for cracks, peeling, abrasion or other damage. Check tensioner bearing for looseness or
roughness of rotation. Inspect tensioner spring for stretching. Replace parts as necessary.
Installation (All Models)
1. Position notch on crankshaft sprocket to 12 o'clock position (aligned with mark on oil pump). Align
timing marks on camshaft sprockets. See Fig. 8
. Ensure crankshaft timing mark is at TDC. Install belt
around crankshaft sprocket, then working in a counterclockwise direction, route belt around camshaft
sprockets.
2. Loosen timing belt tensioner lock bolt and allow spring to apply tension on belt. Snug tensioner lock bolt.
Rotate crankshaft 2 complete turns in direction of normal engine rotation. Ensure timing marks align. If
timing marks are not aligned, remove belt, realign all timing marks, and repeat installation procedure.
3. Check timing belt deflection with 22 lbs. (10 kg) of pressure applied to belt. See Fig. 9
. Ensure timing
belt deflection is within specification. See TIMING BELT DEFLECTION
.
TIMING BELT DEFLECTION
Application(1) Deflection In. (mm)
Miata & Protege.35-.45 (9.0-11.5)
(1)Deflection measurement is with 22 lbs. (10 kg) of pressure applied to timing belt. See Fig. 9 .

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
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Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Removal & Installation (Protege)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove engine undercovers. Drain engine oil. Remove exhaust header
downpipe and brackets from front exhaust system. Remove oil pan retaining bolts.
2. DO NOT damage sealant contact surfaces. Remove oil pan by prying between oil pan and mounting
surface. On Protege, remove stiffener by prying between stiffener and cylinder block. On all models,
clean all sealant from oil pan, bolts, engine block and both sides of stiffener (Protege).
3. On Protege, apply oil resistant sealant to engine block and stiffener. Install stiffener. On all models, apply
sealant and install oil pan within 5 minutes of applying sealant. To complete installation, reverse removal
procedure. Tighten all bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Fill engine with oil to
specification. See ENGINE LUBRICATION SYSTEM
under ENGINE OILING.
OVERHAUL
CYLINDER HEAD
Cylinder Head
Clean carbon and gasket material from all mating surfaces. Using a tap, clean cylinder head threads. Check
cylinder head warpage. If warpage exceeds specification, resurface head, but DO NOT exceed grinding limit.
See CYLINDER HEAD
under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. After resurfacing cylinder head, check cylinder
head height. Replace cylinder head if height is less than minimum specification.
Valve Springs
Ensure valve spring free length, out-of-square and compressed length are within specification. See VALVES &
VALVE SPRINGS under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Replace valve spring if necessary.
Valve Stem Oil Seals
1. On Miata, use Installer Set (49-L012-0A0) to install valve seals. See Fig. 15 . Adjust installer dimension
"L" to seal depth of .720-.744" (18.3-18.9 mm). Using hand pressure ONLY, install seal until it contacts
cylinder head. Lightly oil valve seal lip.
2. On Protege, use Installer Set (49-L012-0A0) to install valve seals. See Fig. 15
. Adjust installer
dimension "L" to seal depth of .783" (19.9 mm). Using hand pressure, install seal until it contacts cylinder CAUTION: If reusing old oil pan bolts, remove old sealant from bolt threads.
Failure to remove old sealant may result in cracked block at bolt
holes.
NOTE: Intake and exhaust valve stem seals are different. Exhaust seals can be
identified by ridges molded into top of seal. Intake seals do not have identifying
ridges. Incorrect installation of valve stem seals will cause premature failure.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
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