Camshaft Installation Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mazda Protege5 and 2003 Mazda Protege. 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 camshaft onto the cylinder head, facing the cam noses at No.1 and No.3 cylinders as shown.

Fig 1: Assembling Camshaft Onto Cylinder Head, Facing Cam Noses At No. 1 & No. 3 Cylinders
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Apply silicone sealant to the areas shown.
NOTE:
- Keep the camshaft sliding surface free of sealant to prevent engine damage.
Apply engine oil to the camshaft and the cylinder head journals.
Install the camshaft caps to the positions from which they were removed.

Fig 2: Identifying Areas To Apply Silicon Sealant
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Hand tighten the camshaft cap bolts marked 5, 7, 2, and 4.
Tighten the camshaft cap bolts a few turns in the order shown. See Fig 3. On final tightening sequence, tighten bolts to 11.3-14.2 N.m {115-145 kgf.m, 100-125 in.lbf} . See Figure.
Verify that the camshaft settles horizontally when 2 bearing cap bolts at No.3 journal are tightened.
Apply clean engine oil to the camshaft oil seal.
Push the oil seal slightly in by hand.

Fig 3: Tightening Sequence Of Camshaft Cap Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Tap the oil seals in evenly using the SST and a hammer.

Fig 4: Taping Oil Seals
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.