Time for the 120k service on the MSM

In fact, it has already begun. My plan is to replace all of the stuff that usually goes with the timing belt such as front engine seals. I have a complete set of coolant hoses, o-rings, and a radiator. The engine mounts are original, and almost survived the entire 120k. Almost except for that last autocross where the driver's side mount let go causing a pretty severe engine shake on launch. I may as well drop some new spark plugs in while the coils are out. Oh, and the cam cover is coming off to replace the seal and check the valve lash.

So far, I've managed to unplug all of the electric connectors and move the wiring harness out of the way, strip the engine front (minus the timing belt covers) and remove the radiator. I also replaced the lower hose thinking that would be the worst. This morning, I started on the engine mounts. the passenger side wasn't bad, but the driver's side was trapped in place by the turbo and steering column. If the mount hadn't broken, I would have had to remove a bit more to get it out. As it was, I had to bolt in the new mount with the mount plate in situ. Otherwise I'd probably needed to remove the header pipe. There's a steady bracket under the turbo that was the devil to reinstall, but the mounts are back in after much swearing.

After this break, I'm going back in to replace the timing belt. Is there anything else I should tackle while it's this far apart?

When I did my timing belt, I also replaced the water mpump and thermostat. I didn't replace any hoses, but I was at 60k or so miles.

T.J. wrote: When I did my timing belt, I also replaced the water mpump and thermostat. I didn't replace any hoses, but I was at 60k or so miles.

I should have mentioned that the timing belt kit came with all seals, idler pulleys, tensioner, thermostat, and a water pump. I also am replacing the PCV valve with one from a 323 GTX to account for the higher boost (12 psi). When I did the injectors last August, I checked/cleaned the TPS sensor and IAC valve. But the stuff on the back side of the intake like the EGR valve hasn't been touched since new. OTOH, this job is long enough already and that's not really any easier to get at with what I'm doing.

You're in good shape.

Keith Tanner wrote: You're in good shape.

I am now that the engine mounts and the oil cooler coolant lines are in. Wow, I miss my '90 Miata with it's (relatively) easy access to the oil filter area. Those little pinch clamps on top of the oil filter housing were a pain. My hands will remember this job for a while. Hopefully the timing belt won't be so bad. It's my sixth time doing it (on this and another Miata).

I noticed that my power steering lines are looking pretty shabby, particularly the metal line that runs along the steering rack. It's heavily pitted with rust. Maybe I should add a power steering fluid replacement with new lines before the lower shroud goes back in place. I'd hate for one of these to blow during an autocross and oil up the course.

Maybe I should have started a build thread.