1997 MAZDA MX-5 oil change

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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Fitting Pistons
1. Ensure pistons are not scored or damaged. Measure piston diameter on piston skirt at 90-degree angle
from piston pin, .65" (16.5 mm) below lowest ring groove. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS
under
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
2. Check piston-to-cylinder wall clearance in 3 different vertical places of piston travel. If clearance is not
within specification, re-bore cylinders to fit oversize pistons. Using NEW piston rings, measure piston
ring side clearance around entire piston circumference. If clearance is not within specification, replace
piston. See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS
.
Piston Rings
1. If ring end gap and side clearance are not within specification, replace piston and/or rings as necessary.
See PISTONS, PINS & RINGS
under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
2. Install oil ring spacer. Ensure ends DO NOT overlap. See Fig. 19
. Upper and lower rails are the same
and are interchangeable. In stall rails, ensuring rails are expanded by spacer tangs (oil rings when
assembled should rotate freely). Install rings No. 1 (top) and No. 2 (second) with "R" mark toward top of
piston. Ensure ring end gaps are properly positioned around piston. See Fig. 20
.
Fig. 19: Identifying Oil Rings
NOTE: Pistons and rings are available in .010" (.25 mm) and .020" (.50 mm) oversize.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder
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FLUID CAPACITIES
FLUID CAPACITIES
WHEEL & TIRE SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL TIGHTENING
Tighten wheel lug nuts to 65-87 ft. lbs. (88-118 N.m).
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle is equipped with a special 9 9/16" x 4 3/4" x 7 3/8" 12-volt battery that is vented to outside of vehicle.
CAUTIONS & WARNINGS
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)
Modifications or improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS), can adversely affect system performance. DO NOT cover, obstruct or change the
steerin
g wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could cause improper function of the system. Use only plain
(1)Energy conserving oils are recommended, API classification SG", "SH".
ItemConditionSpecification (1)
Engine OilDrained, With Filter4.0 Qts. (3.8L)
Engine OilDrained3.8 Qts. (3.6L)
Engine CoolantDrained6.3 Qts. (6.0L)
Automatic Transaxle FluidCapacity7.1 Qts. (6.7L)
Manual Transaxle FluidCapacity2.1 Qts. (2.0L)
Rear Axle OilCapacity1.1 Qts. (l.0L)
A/C RefrigerantEvacuated1 lb. 3.4 oz. (0.6kg)
Fuel TankCapacity12.6 Gal. (48.0L)
(1)Capacities are recommended or calculated levels. Always use dipstick (if available) to measure level.
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may
lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems
may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn
procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the
GENERAL INFORMATION Section.
NOTE: See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY
EQUIPMENT Section.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1997 MAINTENANCE Mazda Maintenance Information
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