Rocker Cover Gasket Availability

[Teabreak]

Hi guys,

[Apologies if this is in the wrong section]

Today I had my 2001 NB8B booked in with my local mechanic in Perth to have its 100,000km service done (timing belt and water pump). I've just been off the phone with him, and he has explained that the job hasn't been able to be completed because they aren't able to source the correct Rocker Cover Gasket.

Apparently there are no aftermarket gaskets which are compatible with the VVT engine. And, Mazda is on back order in Japan, not expecting stock until April 16 due to a relocation of their warehouse over east which they improperly organised.

Currently he's trying to source a gasket from a similar ford engine (with no success yet), otherwise, if worse comes to worse - silicon on the old gasket for a temporary solution, but can't be done until tomorrow.

Just wanted opinions if this is baloney, or has anyone else recently had issues as such (apparently availability of Mazda parts in general has diminished/ceased?)?
Has completely messed up my work day tomorrow as I live semi-rural and have no other method of transport to work in the metro area...

If anyone in Perth happens to have one lying around I would forever be in your debt!

Cheers

[Aussie Stig]

Mazda like other manufacturers have had their operations severely disrupted by the tsunami.

That does not excuse Mazda Australia for not stocking such a commonly replaced item. Still when I called my local stealer for (wait for it) a fuel filter, they said it would have to come from the Eastern states.

You wonder why we order parts from UK suppliers?

[geofiz]

I usually order these from the states, and the turnaround is pretty quick. I need to order a couple anyway, so if you want to split shipping costs, let me know, as I am in Perth as well.

I will PM the price once I check it out.

[Teabreak]

Yes, definitely lesson learnt there. I'm a newbie to the car enthusiast scene, so hopefully down the track I'll become more resourceful with buying parts prior to having things pulled apart!

Fingers crossed for a quick resolution tomorrow!

[Okibi]

Welcome to the obsession.

Make sure you check out http://www.mx5club.com.au

All my spare gaskets fit the earlier 1.8s A forum sponsor might be able to express post you one.

KYP garage in Welshpool have been working on a few MX-5s, wonder if they're holding any spare parts.

[Teabreak]

Thanks Okibi!

My partner and I have been meaning to join the club for a while, no excuses now we have 2!

Called KYP and they didn't have any gaskets either. But hopefully will be getting a new gasket sent across early next week. Fingers crossed it's a good resolution. Need to start saving my pennies for a shiny alloy radiator!

[aviper4u]

i'm in Sydney and could not find an OEM rocler cover gasket for NB8B (SVT engine) NB8A there is though MX5mania here in Sydney say they have tried OEM and they leak.

Sorry to hear about the back order status cant mazda bring one from interstate surely all national dealers dont have one? OR try mx5mania

good luck

[Okibi]

I've replaced both radiators in my MX-5s with shiny alloy ones. Given Perth temperatures it's a nice insurance policy.

[93_Clubman]

Mr Morlock had issues finding an NB8B rocker cover gasket down here in Melb mid last year - from memory upshot was while aftermarket suppliers listed separate gaskets for B6 & BP, they only stocked the B6 for both, which in effect meant no BP gasket.