Hey all, I am going to be replacing the front cover oring in my 1987 Base. I have found a few posts talking about removing the front cover with the engine still in the car, and many have said it is a pain. But couldn't the cover be removed with out taking off the pan? And do you have to do something with the clutch pedal?



And I am not sure on what parts I will need. I am know that I will be needing the front cover oring, a early style gasket (I am having a hard time finding this at mazdatrix), and RTV to seal up the oil pan.. Is there any thing else I will be needing, like a OMP gasket or what not.

 

All I have to say is, Good luck!



Uou do need to take the pan off, it can be done with the engine still in the car, personally I am never going to do that again though, so much easier to take the engine out.



And yes, you should, if your doing this still in the car, jam the clutch pedal all the way down so as too keep the needle bearings from falling down.

 

If you have the a/c and power steeting bracket on the engine, then its next to impossible in the car. If not, read on.



If you have a ratcheting wrench, its not hard. Put a jack under the oil pan to take the weight off the engine mounts and give yourself a little more room. Youll have to pry the front cover forward after all the bolts are out, and it will be pretty hard.