Cylinder Head Gasket Removal/Installation - 2.3L: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda B2300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the camshafts. See CAMSHAFTS REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 2.3L .
Remove the exhaust manifold. See EXHAUST MANIFOLD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 2.3L .
Remove the fuel injector supply manifold. See FUEL INJECTION SUPPLY MANIFOLD AND FUEL INJECTOR - 2.3L REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .
Remove the fuel injector supply manifold spacers.

Fig 1: Removing Fuel Injector Supply Manifold Spacers
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hose clip.

Fig 2: Removing Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Hose Clip
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the electric (EEGR) tube and the ground strap.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Electric (EEGR) Tube
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor and the EEGR valve electrical connectors.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor & EEGR Valve Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the EEGR coolant hose.

Fig 5: Disconnecting EEGR Coolant Hose
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the coolant bypass hose.

Fig 6: Disconnecting Coolant Bypass Hose
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the bolts and the cylinder head.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Cylinder Head Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the head gasket.
NOTE:
- Do not use metal scrapers, wire brushes, power abrasive discs or other abrasive means to clean the sealing surfaces. These tools cause scratches and gouges which make leak paths.
Fig 8: Removing Cylinder Head Gasket
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Clean the cylinder head mating surfaces.