Removal (626)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Mazda Millenia and 2001 Mazda 626. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE . Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove spark plug wires. Remove timing belt. See TIMING BELT .
Remove front pipe, air cleaner, high-tension leads (plug wires) and ignition coil. Remove intake manifold. See INTAKE MANIFOLD . Disconnect fuel hose. Drain cooling system. Remove cylinder head cover. Remove camshaft pulleys while holding camshafts with wrench placed on cast hexagonal area of camshaft.
Remove upper radiator hose, No. 3 engine mount bracket, seal plate and water outlet. See Fig 1. Remove camshaft. See CAMSHAFT . Remove generator bracket.

CAUTION: Loosen cylinder head bolts in proper sequence to prevent cylinder head warpage. See Figure.

Temporarily install No. 3 engine mount and No. 3 engine mount rubber to support engine. Remove engine support. Loosen cylinder head bolts in sequence using several steps. See Figure. Remove cylinder head bolts and washers, cylinder head and gasket.

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Cylinder Head & Components (626)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.