Camshaft Installation Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Apply engine oil to the camshaft and journal receiving part of cylinder head.
Install the camshaft so that the cam projections of cylinder No.1 and 3 face the direction as shown in Fig 1.

Fig 1: Identifying Cam Projections Of Cylinder No.1 And 3 Face
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Apply liquid gasket to the sliding surface of cylinder head shown in the figure so as not to be projected out.
Install the camshaft cap to its original position.

Fig 2: Applying Liquid Gasket To Sliding Surface Of Cylinder Head
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Tighten the camshaft cap bolts for several times in the numerical order shown in the figure.
CAUTION:
- Install the camshaft while keeping horizontally as the camshaft thrust clearance is small. Otherwise, excessive force may be applied on the thrust part and cause burrs to the thrust part of cylinder head. Therefore, confirm that the camshaft lowers horizontally in accordance with tightening the 2 camshaft cap bolts on the No.3 journal part while tightening the camshaft cap bolts.
Fig 3: Tightening Camshaft Cap Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Apply engine oil to the camshaft oil seal.
Slightly insert the camshaft oil seal by hand.
Tap the camshaft oil seal with the SST.

Fig 4: Applying Engine Oil To Camshaft Oil Seal
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.