How to Replace the Head Gasket on a Mazda

by John Johnston

Maintaining the condition of both your engine and radiator is vital to keeping your Mazda safe and reliable. If your head gasket becomes damaged or worn, it can cause coolant to leak into the engine bay. If your head gasket becomes damaged, you should replace it immediately. You can purchase a replacement head gasket at an auto parts store.

Step 1

Pop the hood of the Mazda and find the battery. Disconnect both the positive and negative terminals of the battery. You should be able to pull them off with your hands, but if they are bolted on, use a wrench or pliers to carefully remove them.

Step 2

Open up the radiator cap and drain all of the coolant out of the system. This must be done before you carry on with the work.

Step 3

Remove the chain tensioner from the gasket with a camshaft sprocket. Remove the mounting bolts from the air conditioner compressor with a wrench. Lift the compressor out of the vehicle and place it on a work bench or other flat surface.

Step 4

Remove the lines out of the radiator by pulling them out with your hand. This will give you access to the head gasket. Remove the bolts which are fixed to the head gasket.

Step 5

Remove the gasket and replace it with a new one. Ensure it is placed in exactly the same position from which you removed the old one. Secure it firmly in place with the bolts. Reassemble the radiator and engine following the removal steps in reverse. Fill the radiator with coolant and turn on the engine to check that everything works correctly.

References

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