Genuine Mazda Upper Valve Spring Retainer • LF01-12-113

Genuine Mazda LF01-12-113 Upper Valve Spring Retainer

Replacement Genuine Mazda upper valve spring retainer for Mazda MX-5 Mk3, Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 / NC models with 1.8L and 2.0L petrol engines from 2005 to 2015 listed in the compatibility table.

The upper valve spring retainer—also described as the upper valve spring seat—fits above the valve spring in the cylinder head. Its tapered central opening receives the two valve collet halves, which engage with the groove on the valve stem and secure the valve, spring and retainer assembly together.

The retainer transfers the valve spring load into the collets and valve stem while keeping the upper end of the spring correctly located. Correct engagement between the retainer, collets and valve-stem groove is essential for reliable valvetrain operation.

This listing supplies one Genuine Mazda valve spring retainer for one valve. The Mazda MX-5 NC uses a 16-valve cylinder head, so 16 retainers are required when replacing all retainers throughout one complete engine.

Replacement is normally carried out during a cylinder-head rebuild, valve replacement, valve-spring replacement or other valvetrain repair. A retainer should also be replaced if it is cracked, distorted, excessively worn, corroded, marked around the collet seat or damaged during disassembly.

• Part type: Upper valve spring retainer / upper valve spring seat
• Primary use: Retains the top of the valve spring and receives the valve collets
• Location: Cylinder head / valvetrain
• Engine applications: Mazda MX-5 NC 1.8L L8-DE and 2.0L LF-VE
• Quantity per valve: One
• Quantity per 16-valve engine: 16
• Quantity supplied: One retainer
• Brand: Genuine Mazda
• Part No.: LF01-12-113
• Also referenced as: LF0112113
• Earlier Mazda reference: 1F20-12-122 / 1F2012122
• Associated valve collet pair: LF01-12-114
• Fitment note: Suitable for the confirmed Mazda MX-5 applications shown in the compatibility table

Fitment advice: Confirm that the engine retains the original Mazda valve-stem groove, valve collets, valve spring and retainer arrangement. Engines fitted with non-standard valves, upgraded valve springs or aftermarket retainers should be checked carefully because the collet taper, spring dimensions and valve-stem groove may differ.

Other items to consider: When changing this part, you may also want to consider purchasing the corresponding LF01-12-114 valve collet pair, valve stem oil seals, valve springs, inlet or exhaust valves, valve-clearance adjustment buckets, cam-cover gasket, cylinder-head gasket, head bolts and timing-chain components where the cylinder head is being rebuilt.

Useful tools / consumables: Suitable valve spring compressor, magnetic pick-up tool, small non-damaging pick, clean component trays, engine assembly lubricant, socket set, calibrated torque wrench, clean workshop towels and the appropriate timing tools if the camshafts or timing components are removed.

Difficulty guide: DIY Difficulty: Advanced. Installation requires controlled compression of the valve spring and accurate placement of both valve-collet halves. The retainer and collets must seat concentrically and securely before the spring compressor is fully released.

Why Genuine Mazda? Genuine Mazda valve spring retainers are manufactured to the intended spring location, collet-seat taper, dimensions, hardness and material specification. Using the correct OE retainer helps ensure secure collet engagement, accurate spring positioning and reliable compatibility with the original Mazda valves and valvetrain components.

What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda upper valve spring retainer, part number LF01-12-113. The valve spring, valve, collets and valve stem seal are not included.

Installation notes: Keep all valvetrain components clean and free from debris. Inspect the valve-stem groove, collets, spring and retainer before assembly. Compress the valve spring sufficiently to install both collet halves without forcing them. Release the spring compressor slowly and confirm that the collets are seated evenly within the retainer. Do not rotate or operate the engine until every installed valve-retaining assembly has been inspected for correct engagement.