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I'm seeking advice from all those who have gone down the path of changing their own timing belts, my NB8A is due for this particular surgery and I'm in need of information.
Now before you ask - yes I have a workshop I can use with a hoist and Sidchrome Tools available, I am mechanically adept and even changed my own Clutch recently ... well it hasn't fallen out yet! ... also fitted a new soft top too (no leaks)

My Questions ;

Is there a full "KIT" available with all the gaskets and parts to carry out the work?

Where is the cheapest place to purchase all the parts?

Assuming no kit is available, does anyone have a list of gaskets & items to be purchased?


I'm trying to do the job efficiently so that I don't have to continue running around for various parts whilst doing the job.

All advice is appreciated

If you are just changing belts, you don't need any gaskets or seals.
BUT if you are like me, and want to do as much as you can whilst you're at it, then there are quite a few kits listed on eBay US.
How many km's has your car done? If it's well over 100,000km may I suggest you change the water pump too? Crank bolt and seal as well?

yup, do the water pump whilst you're at it too.. you'll have to remove it either way

Well done for having a go (so many people will not even change their own oil). My timing belt was changed by the cars previous carer at 100,000km but the water pump and belt adjuster were not! When I checked the water pump (at 134,000km) LEAKING! and one of the tensioning bearing was nearly dead. I would change it all and remove the radiator it makes it easier with the extra room. Good luck.
Ted

Oh, forgot to mention, belts I would stick with OEM or a reputable brand like Gates.

I had to do mine a little while ago because the water pump was leaking. So as the others have suggested change the water pump at the same time and as tedsmx5 mentioned it would be a good idea to do the tensioners at the same time. I got my parts through the local mazda dealer but if you have a week then I suggest looking at http://www.mx5parts.co.uk as I believe they have a kit put together. Sorry I can't be more specific parts wise but I think there was the belt, water pump, water pump gasket and 2 tensioners. If you just want to do the timing belt then you just need the belt itself. Hope that helps

Ben

Gates should have a timing belt kit for the BP, which contains the belt, tensioner/idler pulleys and cam seals. Apart from that the water pump should come with a gasket. Make sure you grab the genuine cam cover gasket from mazda, aftermarket ones shrink and leak. While there it is a good idea to replace the thermostat as well.

hope that helps,

john

Wow, just ask you shall find ..... or so it goes. Really appreciate all your advice and will look into getting all the parts together, including that water pump!
I'm not in a rush so I can take my time and get all the items, any idea what a water pump costs? Has anyone used an aftermarket pump (possibly a bit cheaper)?
When I first bought the car I had the fuel pump fail, mazda original was some astronomical price but bought a Repco Pump for $128.00 - it's been in there and working great for 3 years now.

Is the water pump easy/moderate/hard to change? Should I get one when I buy my CoolingPro radiator?

The whater pump did not come with a seal. when i did mine. It comes seperate.
but yea you'd think they'd be together.
quite a no of us did the pumps & belts last year. about this time. Bevan Did his at Caffs dodgy day. There is a list of what parts to get to do it properly.

The total amount landed was somewhere around $320 if remember correctly but that depends on what the exchange rate is & if you choose to purchase the parts overseas.

Bevan wrote:Got my shopping list from MX5Parts sorted:

Camshaft timing belt - $29.97
Cambelt Tensioner Spring - $4.32
Cambelt Idler Pulley - $31.84
Cambelt Tensioner Pulley - $23.87
Cam Cover Gasket - $21.64
Power Steering/Air Conditioning Belt - $11.87
Crankshaft Front Oil Seal - $9.97 x2
Pipe to Waterpump O Ring - $1.45
Waterpump Inlet Gasket - $3.50
Waterpump, 1.8, Genuine Mazda - $77.30

Sub-Total - $215.73
Delivery - $112.99
Total - $328.72

Now I just need to order it. Can anyone see anything else I might need?

Thats the list for a NB8B....your list for the NB8A wouldn't be a lot different

Another vote for replacing the idler and tensioner pulleys too. I got my timing belt done at the dealers because I couldn't be bothered doing it myself. I got them to replace the water pump while they were there but forgot about the pulleys. 20000km later I had to replace the pulleys because they were toast. It would have been much easier to replace them while everything was in bits to replace the belt.