1994 Eunos Roadster / MX5

Next up was tackling the timing belt. Again, little history and for piece of mind I felt I should replace it.


Rocker cover off


Not too grubby


Belt off

What was interesting was that the crank pulley bolt was pretty easy to undo. I expected it to be really difficult.


Ah, That may have something to do with it.

The key that holds the pulley onto the crankshaft was worn. This in turn had also worn the crank slightly in that there was a larger than expected keyway. I did not manage to get a pic. Thankfully the crank pulley itself was fine. What was particularly interesting was that with the timing belt removed the crank pulley could wiggle approx 1/2 a tooth. That cant have been good for the smooth running of the engine. I suspect the loose pulley bolt has allowed everything to move and it has worn over time. I am lucky I caught it before more damage could be done.

I purchased a new key and repaired the crank using chemical metal. Purchased a new crank bolt. Fitted the lot and ensured the crank pulley bolt was correctly torqued and loctited into place.


Crank Pulley - New key was nice and tight. Glad this was not worn.


All the bits

Took the opportunity whilst everything was off to give the inlet manifold and throttle body a good clean.


Dirty inlet manifold


Dirty throttle body


Cleaned inlet


Cleaned throttle body and refitted.


New tensioner and idler pulleys were fitted.


Nearly back together


Fitted rocker cover with new gasket. Cleaned up as best I could.


All done - including cleaned engine bay.

Ok then. How about something clean?

After all that maintenance, some of the nice clean bodywork that I had from earlier had become a little worse for wear. So another clean was in order. Came up very nicely indeed.










I particularly like this one!












Top down



Only thing that lets it down now is a wee bit of corrosion poking through at the rear sills. Pity actually as the previous owner had these repaired. Repair does not look like it has been done well.





That's it for now. You are completely up to date.