When I first started watching your videos after I got my MX5 over a year ago I didn't know how to change a tyre, last weekend I took my engine out for some turbo prep! Thank you for all the knowledge you have shared.
I'm glad to hear that there's alot of guys, and girls, gaining the confidence and knowledge to attempt and succeed in fixing their own cars. This knowledge applies to most cars not just Miatas
I did them last year. It's fairly easy but it does take time. I did it with the head still on. I just filled the cylinder with rope and compressed the rope by cranking on the crankshaft as hard as I can until it will not go further. This keeps the valves from dropping. I used a spring compressor tool similar to what greg used in one of his videos. And to reinstall the keepers, I used a lisle valve keepr installation tool that requires you to hammer them in place. Another youtuber on here has videos on that. He has a sleeve tattoo with the built ITB NB. Aside from that just take your time, remember to use a straw when reinstalling valve stem seals over the valve stem grooves and torque everything down when done.
Thanks! Because of you, your dedication, and these videos over 6 years, I had the confidence to successfully take apart my NA8 and pass smog today. Runs like a non-leaking top. (Hint for your next video, how to prep each fastener ie., locktite, antiseize, etc.), Thanks to Mike at MiataMecca, FM valve stem seal tool, and also Wesley at Treasure Coast Miata.
I wasn't sure about a light flywheel for the next time I pull my trans but that settles it. All Miatas should rev like sport bikes! Thanks for all the great info over the years, going into the third year with my 92 na and you've helped me with most of the repairs and installs so far. Best tutorials on youtube for sure!
I just blew my head gasket at the track last week. What great timing for a video. Also going to blame it on you though as your 1.6 turbo videos really helped me along the way!
The car passion channel is actually my favorite TH-cam channel 100%. your videos allowed me to pull my Bp4w out of my car fully build it and put it back in again. Thank you for all the work you do for the miata community. My kraken low mount with the efr 6258 is on the way😏.
I always used to say that a blown head gasket would be the end for me for any car, but after getting my NB ive realized that even if it does happen id resurface the head myself if i needed to, only death will seperate me from this car
I bought my first car last June, it was a 99 nb 1.8l 5spd. I love this freaking car. It was high mileage and I knew the risk, I just wanted to be in the seat of one of these cars so badly. My head gasket blew, but I know my motor is still strong. Me and some buddies are tackling taking apart the head so we can replace it ourselves and it was this video that convinced me to do it. Thanks!
Thanks to you I changed my timing belt by myself correctly for the first time. I appreciate it Greg. I tried before in 2012 and resulted paying the dealer 750 bucks even tho I had everything removed already. Now I'm learning why I had been popping alternator belts because I've never had them tight enough.
I use machining parallel bars for any kind of gasket scraping including head gaskets. It's a machined flat/straight surface that provides perfect pressure across any surface you are trying to clean up. Best part, Harbor freight sells a set for like $27.
I used to be a mechanic at a car lot, When I started there a previous mechanic removed the engine and transmission from a 2010 Altima. So I put everything back together no issue car ran great, no Check engine codes etc. They sold the car not soon after. Sure is nice being able to look at something someone else torn a part and put it back together. I don't know how I was able to or can't explain it.
I bought a non running Mazdaspeed, which will need a head gasket.( Hopefully the head isn't bad ) Your video has some good tips. I haven't done a head gasket in 30 years! Thanks.
The best way i have found to stay organized is to get a cardboard box and push the bolts through it, you can then write in sharpie exactly where they go. you can also draw diagrams to help remember better.
Long time sub here I’m finally gaining the confidence too get my engine taken apart (na6 90’s) thanks too this video and well every other video you’ve made thanks too you I have done my shifter and a few other things but I’m looking too do my head gasket soon and this is the fuel I needed thank you Greg 🙌🏻
You forgot to mention, VVT engines have a bracket bolted to the lower intake manifold to hold the VVT tube in place, it needs to be unbolted before removing the head. Also, be aware the fuel rail wire bundle is clipped together with the knock detection sensor, need to undo the white clip to separate them first before removing the head
I had a race miata that I used to just beat up like crazy. I blew a head gasket and swapped it out without any machine work knowing it wouldn't last long but I was a broke Boi at the time. I obviously left off certain covers and extra pieces and had it done within 4-6 hours. This happened 3 more times before I finally got the head machined and the very last time it took my friend and I 45 minutes from start to finish. Its incredibly easy after the 1st time lol
This channel is amazing! I'm going to redo all the gaskets on my 2000 NB once the parts come in and it's the biggest repair I've ever undertaken but this channel has helped my confidence a ton. Your explanations and camera angles are amazing. Honestly you should have millions of subscribers. High quality stuff, dude
Hi. I've watching you videos and are very inspiring to do your self home repair. Maybe in the next month's I will change the timing belts and other stuffs. 🙏 I have a 1.6 year 2000 with AC. I think in Portugal is not very common coming 1.6 with AC. The only thing that kind don't like is that the ECU is obd1. How hard is to swap ECU obd1 to OBD2? Yesterday I change the coolant temperature sensor that is on the back of engine. It's the one with 3 pin. And there is none in from of the engine, maybe this could help. Best regards and keep coming more videos!
The gasket set I got to put the head back on came with 8 copper washers, and I don't know where they go, I didnt (notice) take any of those off. Are those for the exhaust manifold? Awesome videos and interactions helping people, The work you put into these is much appreciated.
To get the block surface mint you can clean it perfectly with a knife sharpening block it also makes sure it's flat. The skid factory has a TH-cam video about it
Oil and cling film are also good with the tissue ( I personally get a free newspaper and save if for stuff like this or starting a fire 😬 ) stuffed in to seal off the pistons and bores and it stops quite a lot of water getting in 👍🏼
Hi Greg, I don’t know if you’ll reply but whatever. I am preparing for my first gasket change, and was wondering how did you get the gunk out of the coolant and oil passages when cleaning the block? Also did WD40 get in there too? I’m pretty anxious and I’ve watched this and the timing belt video probably like 50 times. You’re a legend.
The way i clean my piston tops and combustion chambers on the head is with a brass wire wheel cup on a drill with some automotive pre- cleaner. That makes short work of that nastiness💪
My pistons were dirty asf like that when I did my head gasket and I got them like perfectly clean some how. And wiped the cylnder walls w shop towels cause there was debris from clean this pistons. Everything’s been good so far
Hope this means there's some sick new in car canyon "leisurely driving" vids coming up soon, Greg... That coolant res is very good looking, FM very good products....
Please do a video on reseting throttle body flap for idle, and any thoughts I have a 99 Miata I did a head gasket with about 200k and I have massive positive case pressure like a blow dryer out the oil cap.
Hey Greg! Thanks to your videos, I was able to pull my engine and swap the block and got the head machined! Finally got the car out back and did the first oil change at 50 miles to check for any metal shavings and did see some small metal particles at the bottom of the oil container, is this normal? What do you recommend for breaking in after a new head?
Swapping to a fresh head for my NA8, had to call it quits for the night. Seriously those lower intake bolts suuuuck, got all but one. So I pulled it with the intake and I did it solo, also sucks. Probably gonna RTV the rear outlet too. I don't think I'm gonna find a second thermostat gasket in time tomorrow. Also gotta hunt down that Thermostat Neck to Cylinder Head O-ring, heard horror stories about slightly too big O-rings not crushing and cracking the ears for the neck.
I've already watched this video and all your other nitrous vids multiple times, but here I am again today. A nitrous miata is just so interesting and awesome! Maybe once I actually do a kswap in my NB, I'll use my BP4W to make a nitrous miata. One thing watching this video again brought up is removing all the evap stuff. Do you have any details on the proper way to do this on an NB? I know on NA's you can just loop the lines, but there seems to be some debate on NBs.
4:18 This is only true for you US guys, the NB1 in Europe and Japan have a return system and use rubber hoses just like the NA. Just to add some info because you also have alot of viewers outside of the US ;)
Hey Greg....Well done, you've put together a great set of Videos....easy to follow explanations and comprehensive guides. The Head Gasket you used in this video, appears to be a 'garden' variety type similar to the Fel-Pro 'street' MLS unit....all the hype I read for engine upgrades, point to high tech, high price, modern design, Viton moulded gaskets ie...Cometic and Fel-Pro PermaTorque etc etc....I'm doing a very mild Normally Aspirated build on a '99 BP4W, for mainly weekend track day usage and just about to purchase a Head gasket and would like your opinion please....are the Basic Street MLS gaskets from recognized manufacturers like Fel-Pro, fit for the rigors of track day usage? Thanks in advance, Jim
Yo this video is awesome and a great help! Thanks man! Do you have any detailed vids on the evap canister delete? From the forums and other videos it seems there is some debate on the proper way to do it. This will be something I do on my car soon. Also, did you do an EGR delete too? Of so which blockoff kit did you use?
Sorry Greg, I had another question....I've read that a light spray of 'Hylomar' helps the gasket adhere to the head, to prevent water in/egress, during that initial cold start up and first heat cycle...your thoughts would be appreciated...Jim
Use a 3/8" extension or long screwdriver dropped into the spark plug hole to find TDC, and make sure TDC mark matches up between your crank pulley and timing cover
Controversial I know, but I use a 1.6 sized lightweight flywheel on my td04 turbo NA precisely for those kind of revs. No problems with holding the power either with the smaller clutch.
head was heavy af!!. whole neighborhood heard me cussing trying to line it back up onto the block thats still in the car. Used acetone, alcohol, gas, some other solvents to clean the pistons. Nothing really worked better than the other in getting the cooked carbon off. Got them about as clean as yours look.
Believe I found out what was wrong with my miata lol I think it's the MAF because I unplugged it and nothing changed at all and the car felt the same so I might go pick one of those up lol
When I first started watching your videos after I got my MX5 over a year ago I didn't know how to change a tyre, last weekend I took my engine out for some turbo prep! Thank you for all the knowledge you have shared.
Awesome to hear!!
Same here, I never changed oil or a tire before. Now I've done literally everything to this car except for a full engine rebuild.
Same. Went from not even doing the oil changes to a boosted na
Shit yeah! Good work James! Enjoy the turbo'd goodness once she's all back up and running my guy =) - Taz.
I'm glad to hear that there's alot of guys, and girls, gaining the confidence and knowledge to attempt and succeed in fixing their own cars. This knowledge applies to most cars not just Miatas
Greg really calling me out for not having the balls to do my valve stem seals for years. This video is the motivation I needed.
I did them last year. It's fairly easy but it does take time. I did it with the head still on. I just filled the cylinder with rope and compressed the rope by cranking on the crankshaft as hard as I can until it will not go further. This keeps the valves from dropping. I used a spring compressor tool similar to what greg used in one of his videos. And to reinstall the keepers, I used a lisle valve keepr installation tool that requires you to hammer them in place. Another youtuber on here has videos on that. He has a sleeve tattoo with the built ITB NB. Aside from that just take your time, remember to use a straw when reinstalling valve stem seals over the valve stem grooves and torque everything down when done.
Thanks! Because of you, your dedication, and these videos over 6 years, I had the confidence to successfully take apart my NA8 and pass smog today. Runs like a non-leaking top. (Hint for your next video, how to prep each fastener ie., locktite, antiseize, etc.), Thanks to Mike at MiataMecca, FM valve stem seal tool, and also Wesley at Treasure Coast Miata.
Thank you so much man!! Glad to hear it!
I wasn't sure about a light flywheel for the next time I pull my trans but that settles it. All Miatas should rev like sport bikes! Thanks for all the great info over the years, going into the third year with my 92 na and you've helped me with most of the repairs and installs so far. Best tutorials on youtube for sure!
That mohwak was rad😎you should bring that back!
I just blew my head gasket at the track last week. What great timing for a video. Also going to blame it on you though as your 1.6 turbo videos really helped me along the way!
The car passion channel is actually my favorite TH-cam channel 100%. your videos allowed me to pull my Bp4w out of my car fully build it and put it back in again. Thank you for all the work you do for the miata community. My kraken low mount with the efr 6258 is on the way😏.
I used atf on pistons, it’s a detergent so it’ll clean carbon deposits without scrubbing
I always used to say that a blown head gasket would be the end for me for any car, but after getting my NB ive realized that even if it does happen id resurface the head myself if i needed to, only death will seperate me from this car
Or a hole in the engine
I bought my first car last June, it was a 99 nb 1.8l 5spd. I love this freaking car. It was high mileage and I knew the risk, I just wanted to be in the seat of one of these cars so badly. My head gasket blew, but I know my motor is still strong. Me and some buddies are tackling taking apart the head so we can replace it ourselves and it was this video that convinced me to do it. Thanks!
I don't even have a Miata, I own two camaro but boy let me tell you this channel you can apply it to anything!!!!!!
Thanks to you I changed my timing belt by myself correctly for the first time. I appreciate it Greg. I tried before in 2012 and resulted paying the dealer 750 bucks even tho I had everything removed already. Now I'm learning why I had been popping alternator belts because I've never had them tight enough.
Miata dad once again giving me the motivation to work on my broken Miata..
My mans here working with bare tools and hes doing amazing stuff. Thats what I love you for.
Currently in the process of doing valve stem seals but I changed my head gasket a few months ago. More motivation lol
I use machining parallel bars for any kind of gasket scraping including head gaskets. It's a machined flat/straight surface that provides perfect pressure across any surface you are trying to clean up. Best part, Harbor freight sells a set for like $27.
You can get a plate of glass for less. It’ll do the same thing.
NB STUFF, MORE NB !!! Love all your content. thank you!
Really great voice over. Excellent sequence of information.
I agree, that’s hard to do, great camera work to. We lucky to have this guy helping out the Miata people.
Big thank miata dad for helping an old carb mum help her baby girl get her head straight!!!
I used to be a mechanic at a car lot, When I started there a previous mechanic removed the engine and transmission from a 2010 Altima. So I put everything back together no issue car ran great, no Check engine codes etc. They sold the car not soon after. Sure is nice being able to look at something someone else torn a part and put it back together. I don't know how I was able to or can't explain it.
I bought a non running Mazdaspeed, which will need a head gasket.( Hopefully the head isn't bad ) Your video has some good tips. I haven't done a head gasket in 30 years! Thanks.
The best way i have found to stay organized is to get a cardboard box and push the bolts through it, you can then write in sharpie exactly where they go. you can also draw diagrams to help remember better.
Long time sub here I’m finally gaining the confidence too get my engine taken apart (na6 90’s) thanks too this video and well every other video you’ve made thanks too you I have done my shifter and a few other things but I’m looking too do my head gasket soon and this is the fuel I needed thank you Greg 🙌🏻
Those revs remind me of a Porsche GT3 and I didn't know I needed that on my Miata until today!
I don't even know why I'm watching this. I don't even own a Miata, let alone a Mazda. Great video as always.
Greg because of you I was able to rebuild an engine in my garage, thank you.
Thank you a million for this video. Love your camera work, now I confidence to replace my head gasket and get my Miata on the road. You the best.
literally in the middle of a head gasket on my NA miata, great little guide.
Great vid- My son and I were just mentioning that we hadn't seen a vid in a bit - worth the wait.
dude perfect timing, I just blew mine this week papa Greg
a engine swapped miata would be really cool content for this channel IMO, and a new challenge for you.
You forgot to mention, VVT engines have a bracket bolted to the lower intake manifold to hold the VVT tube in place, it needs to be unbolted before removing the head. Also, be aware the fuel rail wire bundle is clipped together with the knock detection sensor, need to undo the white clip to separate them first before removing the head
Good looking out with this comment, I followed all the instructions and it still wouldn’t budge. Really left me scratching my head. Pun intended lol
I had a race miata that I used to just beat up like crazy. I blew a head gasket and swapped it out without any machine work knowing it wouldn't last long but I was a broke Boi at the time. I obviously left off certain covers and extra pieces and had it done within 4-6 hours. This happened 3 more times before I finally got the head machined and the very last time it took my friend and I 45 minutes from start to finish. Its incredibly easy after the 1st time lol
Already waiting for my head come back from machine shop. 1.6NB EUDM with a lot of mods is on the way!
Goal is 160HP without boring block
I did a head gasket on my NA 2 years ago for the first time. I was terrified but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.
Just the head gasket?Any oil consumption afterwards?
Those SDZ32 pics were so nostalgic 🥲
This channel is amazing! I'm going to redo all the gaskets on my 2000 NB once the parts come in and it's the biggest repair I've ever undertaken but this channel has helped my confidence a ton. Your explanations and camera angles are amazing. Honestly you should have millions of subscribers. High quality stuff, dude
Hi. I've watching you videos and are very inspiring to do your self home repair. Maybe in the next month's I will change the timing belts and other stuffs. 🙏 I have a 1.6 year 2000 with AC. I think in Portugal is not very common coming 1.6 with AC. The only thing that kind don't like is that the ECU is obd1. How hard is to swap ECU obd1 to OBD2? Yesterday I change the coolant temperature sensor that is on the back of engine. It's the one with 3 pin. And there is none in from of the engine, maybe this could help. Best regards and keep coming more videos!
The gasket set I got to put the head back on came with 8 copper washers, and I don't know where they go, I didnt (notice) take any of those off. Are those for the exhaust manifold? Awesome videos and interactions helping people, The work you put into these is much appreciated.
To get the block surface mint you can clean it perfectly with a knife sharpening block it also makes sure it's flat. The skid factory has a TH-cam video about it
17:25
Learned this one the hard way, them boys were absolutely dumping fuel
The rev response with the lighter flywheel is insanity
Oil and cling film are also good with the tissue ( I personally get a free newspaper and save if for stuff like this or starting a fire 😬 ) stuffed in to seal off the pistons and bores and it stops quite a lot of water getting in 👍🏼
Thx (yet again) Greg 🤜🏼🤛🏼
…head gasket just failed on my mk1 last night 😔 so I shall be using your video to do my repair / rebuild 🛠🤓
Super excited to see the NB's new color! Oh, and the nitrous ;)
Hey greg thanks for that life saving video🙏 so pumped to see the new nb color that british green wasn't really sporty 😄
Still a little nervous but more comfortable trying it myself hopefully can get the head resurfaced before my next track day
Hi Greg, I don’t know if you’ll reply but whatever. I am preparing for my first gasket change, and was wondering how did you get the gunk out of the coolant and oil passages when cleaning the block? Also did WD40 get in there too? I’m pretty anxious and I’ve watched this and the timing belt video probably like 50 times. You’re a legend.
I’m getting really excited about the bolt on only NB tests :)
i just pulled my head off yesterday what great timing
The way i clean my piston tops and combustion chambers on the head is with a brass wire wheel cup on a drill with some automotive pre- cleaner. That makes short work of that nastiness💪
I read about B12 chemtool being safe for use on aluminum pistons, and man, it works well!
Nice work sir! That thing sounds so good, what a little ripper!
My pistons were dirty asf like that when I did my head gasket and I got them like perfectly clean some how. And wiped the cylnder walls w shop towels cause there was debris from clean this pistons. Everything’s been good so far
Incredible timming,im doing this exact thing to my Miata this week,thank you!
ooh yes, I've waited for this one!
my NA needs a head gasket so thank you so much for the info!
After driving accros Canada with a stuck (closed) thermostat, and at one point low oil 😥 I think I might have a blow head gasket. Thanks for the video
I have a 1.8 fadanza and an act 6 puck in my mazdaspeed your revs are way faster than mine
Hell yeah just on cue! I just ordered my head gasket replacement lol.
Hope this means there's some sick new in car canyon "leisurely driving" vids coming up soon, Greg... That coolant res is very good looking, FM very good products....
Thanks Greg, best Miata content anywhere
Please do a video on reseting throttle body flap for idle, and any thoughts I have a 99 Miata I did a head gasket with about 200k and I have massive positive case pressure like a blow dryer out the oil cap.
You really are the Miata Daddy!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome Video!!!!
Hey Greg! Thanks to your videos, I was able to pull my engine and swap the block and got the head machined! Finally got the car out back and did the first oil change at 50 miles to check for any metal shavings and did see some small metal particles at the bottom of the oil container, is this normal? What do you recommend for breaking in after a new head?
Bruh!!! That is super quick revving. Lol
Waiting for the next one!
Just ordered my oem gaskets off of treasure coast Miata 👌
@2:40 dude you were 'bout that VG30 lyfe?! I just got one lol
Yep, I had 3 of them, and went to tons of Z32 meets/events between 2006-2012. I was very much involved in the community 😁
all my homies love TheCarPassionChannel
Swapping to a fresh head for my NA8, had to call it quits for the night. Seriously those lower intake bolts suuuuck, got all but one. So I pulled it with the intake and I did it solo, also sucks. Probably gonna RTV the rear outlet too. I don't think I'm gonna find a second thermostat gasket in time tomorrow. Also gotta hunt down that Thermostat Neck to Cylinder Head O-ring, heard horror stories about slightly too big O-rings not crushing and cracking the ears for the neck.
I've already watched this video and all your other nitrous vids multiple times, but here I am again today. A nitrous miata is just so interesting and awesome! Maybe once I actually do a kswap in my NB, I'll use my BP4W to make a nitrous miata.
One thing watching this video again brought up is removing all the evap stuff. Do you have any details on the proper way to do this on an NB? I know on NA's you can just loop the lines, but there seems to be some debate on NBs.
Just in time. I was about to tackle this. Was Already apart.
4:18 This is only true for you US guys, the NB1 in Europe and Japan have a return system and use rubber hoses just like the NA.
Just to add some info because you also have alot of viewers outside of the US ;)
My expertise in color tells me the car will be a magenta-ish color. Can't wait to see if I am right hahahah
oh shit I wasn't ready for those early '00s pics
You made the miata sounds like a race car now!
Hey Greg....Well done, you've put together a great set of Videos....easy to follow explanations and comprehensive guides. The Head Gasket you used in this video, appears to be a 'garden' variety type similar to the Fel-Pro 'street' MLS unit....all the hype I read for engine upgrades, point to high tech, high price, modern design, Viton moulded gaskets ie...Cometic and Fel-Pro PermaTorque etc etc....I'm doing a very mild Normally Aspirated build on a '99 BP4W, for mainly weekend track day usage and just about to purchase a Head gasket and would like your opinion please....are the Basic Street MLS gaskets from recognized manufacturers like Fel-Pro, fit for the rigors of track day usage? Thanks in advance, Jim
Incredible information packed video. Great work Miata Dad!
Hey, might sound kinda crazy but I saw your Miata at Walmart!
You are very inspiring! Thanks a lot for all the details on your videos. It really helps!
Well for watching paint dry it was pretty cool.
Yo this video is awesome and a great help! Thanks man! Do you have any detailed vids on the evap canister delete? From the forums and other videos it seems there is some debate on the proper way to do it. This will be something I do on my car soon.
Also, did you do an EGR delete too? Of so which blockoff kit did you use?
Thats a real nice purple bro
Pls do sound clip ! Sounds amazing
Check with a straight edge wether your block needs facing. It is a cast iron block so it probably will be fine but checking>regretting
If you check it, it's gonna be bad, if you don't even look at it, it'll probably be fine lol
Now I need a new overflow tank, thanks Crape.
Just found your vid and I'm in lakeside CA. Sweet fun fact!!!
Sorry Greg, I had another question....I've read that a light spray of 'Hylomar' helps the gasket adhere to the head, to prevent water in/egress, during that initial cold start up and first heat cycle...your thoughts would be appreciated...Jim
16:42 how do you make sure your not a tooth or two off on the crankshaft?
Use a 3/8" extension or long screwdriver dropped into the spark plug hole to find TDC, and make sure TDC mark matches up between your crank pulley and timing cover
Dad, I missed you...love you, see you next time
i’m putting it out there now, the wrap is a bright orange like the spare vvt 😏
I was gonna be doing a headgasket soon because it needs done, but now I can say it was because of this video. c: lol
I was hoping you would do a coolant reroute. A diy one in fact to teach people that you dont need to drop $300 for a coolant reroute kit.
Super Miata orange though 😍
I was checking how to do a clutch job 4 months ago, now the head gasket
@@valentinopasta397 I got you covered!!
Controversial I know, but I use a 1.6 sized lightweight flywheel on my td04 turbo NA precisely for those kind of revs. No problems with holding the power either with the smaller clutch.
Is the special tool for removing the fuel lines absolutely necessary? Is there another method? Cheers. No tools mechanic.
@19:40, I believe you are thinking of the phrase "The wire is pushing it closely"
head was heavy af!!. whole neighborhood heard me cussing trying to line it back up onto the block thats still in the car. Used acetone, alcohol, gas, some other solvents to clean the pistons. Nothing really worked better than the other in getting the cooked carbon off. Got them about as clean as yours look.
awesomeness as always brother !!! great job !!!
Believe I found out what was wrong with my miata lol I think it's the MAF because I unplugged it and nothing changed at all and the car felt the same so I might go pick one of those up lol
great video mate !!