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How to Pull the Head on a Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small two-seat roadster that has been in production since 1989. Models made since 2005 use a 2.0-liter engine from the MZR family of engines, which feature an all-aluminum block. The Miata uses a single aluminum cylinder head for all four cylinders that is part of the combustion chambers. The procedure for removing the cylinder head on a Miata is generally the same for all models made since 2005.

Instructions

1

Open the filler cap on the fuel tank to relieve the pressure in the fuel tank. Disconnect the relay for the fuel pump from the engine compartment. Start the engine, and allow the engine to stall. Crank the engine a few times to ensure it wont start, and turn the ignition switch to the lock setting. Replace the fuel pump relay.

2

Disconnect the cables from the battery with a socket wrench, and remove the battery. Disconnect the mounting bolts for the battery tray, and remove the tray. Drain the coolant from the radiator into a clean container, and save the coolant for later use.

3

Remove the tower bar from the front suspension member with a socket wrench. Disconnect the air cleaner and ignition coil from the engine. Turn the drive belt tensioner to relieve the tension on the drive belt, and detach the belt from its pulleys.

4

Detach the crankshaft position sensor from the crankshaft. Disconnect the mounting bolts for the power steering pump with a socket wrench if your vehicle is so equipped. Push the pump out of the way to obtain access to the timing chain, and disconnect the timing chain from its sprockets.

5

Disconnect the arm of the windshield wiper with a socket wrench. Detach the side cowl grille, and remove the cover on the service hole cover to access the camshaft.

6

Detach the alternator with a socket wrench. Push the alternator aside to access the exhaust manifold, and remove the exhaust manifold from the vehicle. Disconnect the overhead camshaft valve sensor, if your Miata has variable valve timing.

7

Record the positions of the camshaft caps to ensure you can install the camshafts in their original positions. Disconnect the camshafts, and remove them from the vehicle.

8

Record the position of each mounting bolt for the cylinder head to make sure you can install them to the correct hole. Remove the mounting bolts in two to three passes with a socket wrench, and detach the cylinder head from the engine block. Measure the length of the bolts and replace any that are longer than 5.77 inches.