Mazda Miata: Quick advice needed

I am not sure if the seal can be replaced with the cooling/AC system in
place. I have a '90 with AC and removed the radiator when I replaced the
timing belt. I left the air conditioning system intact (installed) and
had sufficient room to remove the pulleys and front cover.

The only other source of oil on the front side of the motor would be the
valve cover gasket. If the oil is evident in the area of the crankshaft
pulley, it is most likely the the crankshaft seal.

Roland

In article <cenopp$9u5$svr.pol.co.uk>, "Morien Morgan"
<freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
 

I don't know the answer to your question, but I had to have my crankshaft
boot replaced a couple of months ago and I'm sure the mechanic never had to
remove the parts you mentioned.

I would suggest however that when/if you get the work done, that you make
sure they reassemble using a new:

- crankshaft bolt (make sure they torque it correctly for your model year)
- woodruff key
- and new belts while they are at it

All of these parts do not cost much and could save you major headaches in
future, i.e. crankshaft/engine failure.

I'm no mechanic but from the research I did concerning a seemingly
"wobbling" crankshaft pulley on my Miata, pre '95 Miata's had short, smaller
diameter crankshaft noses and it was not unheard of for the Woodruff key
slot to become worn, which would lead to the "wobbly pulley syndrome" and if
not fixed could lead to engine failure (not good the last time I heard!).
You did not say what model year your Miata was but with what I have just
mentioned in mind, also ask the mechanics to make sure that the key slot is
not worn and that the woodruff key slots into place snuggly. If the key does
not fit snuggly, look in the online miata forums/websites for a well
documented Loctite solution (Sorry, I don't have the web address at hand
right now)

Don't mean to scare you with this extra info, but since the mechanics are in
there anyway, have all these done as a precaution. Good Luck!

Jitendra (a Brit. now living in Wisconsin, USA)
'95 red


"Morien Morgan" <freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
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