Engine Front Cover Removal / Installation - 3.0L: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mazda B3000. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the battery. See BATTERY DISCONNECT .
Drain the engine coolant. See ENGINE COOLANT REPLACEMENT -- 3.0L .
Remove the drive belt. See DRIVE BELT REMOVAL / INSTALLATION - 3.0L , .
Remove the fan and shroud. See COOLING FAN AND CLUTCH REMOVAL / INSTALLATION -- 3.0L .
Remove the coolant pump pulley.

Fig 1: Locating Coolant Pump Pulley Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the nut and detach the wiring harness bracket.

Fig 2: Locating Wiring Harness Bracket Nut
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the nut and position the bracket aside.
Remove the stud bolts from the A/C compressor mounting bracket.
Remove the bolt and the accessory drive belt tensioner.
Remove the bolts and position the power steering bracket and compressor aside.

Fig 3: Locating Power Steering Bracket Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the heater hose at the water pump.
Disconnect the radiator lower hose at the coolant pump outlet.
Remove the crankshaft front oil seal. See CRANKSHAFT FRONT OIL SEAL REPLACEMENT - 3.0L , .
Remove the oil pan. See OIL PAN BAFFLE REMOVAL / INSTALLATION - 3.0L , .
Remove the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.

Fig 4: Locating Crankshaft Position Sensor Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- Disconnect the CKP sensor electrical connector.
- Remove the 2 bolts.
- Remove the CKP sensor.
Remove the engine front cover and the coolant pump as an assembly.

Fig 5: Locating Coolant Pump Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- Remove the bolts.
Remove and discard the front cover gasket.

Fig 6: Locating Front Cover Gasket

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.