Zero Clearance

[Mr Orange]

I bought a 1991 Miata just 19 days ago and today the timing belt died on me, gargh, the dealer when i bought it said that it was last changed at 73,000 miles and i bought it with 93,000. ok....deep breaths.

so my question is.

it has dual overhead cams and before pulling it apart. Does anyone know if the factory model has zero clearance or not? cause bent valves are gonna suck. and i might go hassle the dealership into doing something if it does.

thanks

[TR3-2001SE]

You have no problem. Just replace the belt and you are good to go. Isn't nice to own a Miata!

[MazdaMech]

[quote=TR3-2001SE]You have no problem. Just replace the belt and you are good to go. Isn't nice to own a Miata![/QUOTE

Mazdas have a tendency to blow timing belts---this is due to the engine oil leaking from a worn lower oil pump/crank seal---replace both upper cam oil seals, as well as the lower crank-shaft oil seal, and valve cover gasket when you are servicing the timing belt. While you are at it, also replace the water pump, whether it's leaking or not, because a failure of the pump after you have done all the aformentioned work will render all of your efforts null and void .

[Mr Orange]

[quote=MazdaMech]

Originally Posted by TR3-2001SE

You have no problem. Just replace the belt and you are good to go. Isn't nice to own a Miata![/QUOTE

Mazdas have a tendency to blow timing belts---this is due to the engine oil leaking from a worn lower oil pump/crank seal---replace both upper cam oil seals, as well as the lower crank-shaft oil seal, and valve cover gasket when you are servicing the timing belt. While you are at it, also replace the water pump, whether it's leaking or not, because a failure of the pump after you have done all the aformentioned work will render all of your efforts null and void .

Actually yeah. When i got in there the water pump WAS leaking. at first wasnt sure if it was just some spill from when a hose was removed. cleared it off and checked back a few hours later and sure enough there were a few more drips. I think thats why the timing belt went. It didnt seem to have the usual wear and tear and degradation i expected of a belt with 90,000 miles on it. It seemed like it maybe only had 15 or 20 which was in fact what the dealer told me.

[MazdaMech]

Good work---be sure to check the little 5/8ths inch cooling hoses/bypass hoses that crawl from every little orifice, vacuum, and bypass tube---replace the factory compression clamps with the banded/screw type---when you replace the hoses. Also replace your radiator cap/thermostat if you haven't done so since the pump install. Any questions, drop me a line