Replacing the CAS O-ring

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Is one of the most annoying and tedious little jobs there must be. 10 minute job my arse. Still trying to get the bastard lined up properly.

[N3v]

there was a thread about this on roadsterdrift. I believe the general consensus was just to jam it in there with a little force, perhaps apply some lube, but don't press too hard. Needless to say it was unclear whether they were talking about installing a CAS or sex after two posts.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

It's not a matter of force as it is getting two metal "tangs" lined up with the holes and for some reason it never seems to work even when I try every angle.

[N3v]

sorry, I couldn't find the thread, but instead here's something that might actually help

http://www.miata.net/garage/cas_oring.html

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Cheers Nev, I used this guide earlier. I'm just one of the poor bastards who can't get it back in in the first 5 attempts.

[N3v]

try liquoring it up, buying it some diamonds, etc.

really though, if you're doing what the guide said and its not working, just wait till tommorrow. You'll probably look at it tommorrow morning and immediately see your problem, or get it in the first time.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Yeah that's what I decided on and then thought give it one more try... failed

Then I thought... ok for real now, last go....

And SLAM!

Straight in!

So let this be a lesson to anyone doing this, give yourself lots of time as it's only occasionally a 20 minute job :lol:

[N3v]

congrats! glad it finally worked.

[amaff]

You know what the secret to getting the CAS in easily is?



Remove the valve cover.



I kid you not.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Yeah I can imagine.

[Georgia Cracker]

I used a small dental mirror to see where the slot was on the cam. Then it is a 10 minute job. Otherwise you'll spend an hour, as my son found out. Actually he never got it, brought me out, got out the mirror, lined it up and slid it in.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah, I was going to suggest the valve cover method too. I always try to do them at the same time since it makes lining up the tangs a one time deal.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

I tried the little mirror method and I could never get it in. I mustn't have been using enough forced when I was putting it back in because I must have got it lined up at least once correctly.