Camshaft Installation Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda 626. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION:

Because there is little camshaft thrust clearance, the camshaft must be held horizontally while it is installed. Otherwise, excessive force will be applied to the thrust area, causing burr on the thrust receiving area of the cylinder head journal. To avoid this, the following procedure must be observed.

Assemble the camshaft onto the cylinder head, facing the cam noses at No.1 and No.3 cylinders as shown.

Fig 1: Assembling Camshaft
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Apply silicone sealant to the areas shown. Keep the camshaft sliding surface free of sealant to prevent engine damage.

Fig 2: Applying Silicone Sealant
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Apply engine oil to the camshaft and the cylinder head journals.
Install the camshaft caps in the same position and direction from which they were removed.
Hand tighten the camshaft cap bolts marked 5, 7, 2, and 4.
Tighten the camshaft cap bolts in two or three steps in the order shown in Fig 3.
Tightening Torque

11.3-14.2 N.m {115-145 kgf.cm, 100-125 in.lbf}

Fig 3: Camshaft Cap Bolts Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Verify that the camshaft settles horizontally when two bearing cap bolts at No.3 journal are tightened.
Apply clean engine oil to the camshaft oil seal.
Push the oil seal in slightly by hand.
Tap the oil seals in evenly using the SST and a hammer.

Fig 4: Installing Camshaft Oil Seals
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.