Valve Clearance Adjustment [L5]

1. Insert a suitable bolt (M6 X 1.0, length 25-35 mm {0.99-1.3 in})  into the engine front cover upper blind plug and tighten it until it contacts the chain tensioner arm, and then rotate it back one turn. (Set the bolt slightly away from the chain tensioner arm so that it does not contact it.)
   Fig 4: Identifying Engine Front Cover Upper Blind Plug & Bolt

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
2. Using the cast hexagon on the exhaust camshaft, apply force counterclockwise to facilitate unlocking the chain tensioner ratchet.
3. Using a Hex bit socket (2.5 mm {0.098 in})  or T15 Torx bit socket, unlock the chain tensioner ratchet so that it can be lifted up.
   Fig 5: Unlocking Chain Tensioner Ratchet

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   Fig 6: View Of Chain Tensioner & Ratchet

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
4. Using the cast hexagon on the exhaust camshaft, apply force in the direction of the engine rotation to increase tension on the chain.
   Fig 7: Increasing Tension On Chain

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   NOTE:

   • The chain tensioner rack is compressed using the chain tension generated by applying force to the exhaust camshaft in the direction of the engine rotation.
   Fig 8: Identifying Compressed Chain Tensioner

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   NOTE:

   • The racket has not been unlocked if the bolt cannot be pressed in approx. 5 mm {0.2 in}.
5. Screw in the bolt set in Step  1 approx. 5 mm {0.2 in} and secure the tensioner arm with the rack compressed.
   Fig 9: Identifying Tensioner Arm Position

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
   • If the tensioner arm cannot be secured, return the bolt to its original position and repeat the procedure from Step  3.

Selected tappet = Removed tappet thickness + Measured valve clearance - Standard valve clearance

Valve clearance [Engine cold] 

IN: 0.22-0.28 mm {0.009-0.011 in} 

EX: 0.27-0.33 mm {0.011-0.012 in} 

Tightening procedure 

1. 5.0-9.0 N.m {51-91 kgf.cm, 45-79 in.lbf} 
2. 14-17 N.m {1.5-1.7 kgf.m, 11-12 ft.lbf 

Tightening torque 

69-75 N.m {7.1-7.6 kgf.m, 51-55 ft.lbf} 

Fig 18: Tightening Sprocket Bolt

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

• If not aligned, loosen the camshaft sprocket bolt and repeat the procedure from Step  34.

Tightening torque 

18-22 N.m {1.9-2.2 kgf.m, 14-16 ft.lbf} 

Tightening torque 

8-11 N.m {82-117 kgf.cm, 71-101 in.lbf} 

Fig 20: Applying Silicone Sealant To Engine Front Cover Upper Blind Plug

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Tightening torque 

10-14 N.m {102-142 kgf.cm, 89-123 in.lbf}