Genuine Mazda Valve Clearance Adjusting Tappet / Cam Follower – Various Sizes

Genuine Mazda Selectable Valve Clearance Adjusting Tappet / Camshaft Follower

Replacement Genuine Mazda valve-clearance adjusting tappet for Mazda MX-5 Mk3, Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 NC models fitted with the 2.0-litre LF-VE engine, together with other compatible Mazda MZR / L-series engine applications.

This is a multi-variant listing containing several different tappet thicknesses. Select the required size and matching Mazda part number from the product options before ordering. One tappet in the selected size is supplied.

The tappet, also described by Mazda as a valve adjusting disc or camshaft follower, sits between the camshaft lobe and valve stem. Its calibrated thickness establishes the operating clearance within the mechanical valvetrain.

The correct replacement thickness must be calculated from the measured valve clearance and the thickness of the tappet currently fitted. Different positions within the same engine may require different sizes, so the tappets must not be ordered solely by vehicle model or engine code.

Excessive valve clearance can cause ticking or tapping noises, increased impact loading and accelerated valvetrain wear. Insufficient clearance may prevent the affected valve from seating fully and can contribute to poor compression, misfiring, difficult starting, reduced performance or valve damage.

• Part type: Valve-clearance adjusting tappet / camshaft follower
• Mazda catalogue description: Disc, Adjusting
• Primary use: Establishes the specified mechanical valve clearance
• Location: Cylinder head, between the camshaft lobe and valve stem
• Product format: One Shopify listing with multiple selectable thickness variants
• Quantity fitted to MX-5 NC engine: 16 tappets in total
• Quantity required during adjustment: Depends on the clearances measured on the individual engine
• Quantity supplied: 1 tappet in the selected size
• Brand: Genuine Mazda
• Available Mazda references: LF01-12-541 through LF01-12-578, as individually listed in the product options
• Fitment note: The correct thickness must be measured and calculated before ordering

Size selection: Select the precise thickness specified by the technician carrying out the valve-clearance adjustment. Do not assume that all 16 positions use the same tappet size. The engraved or packaging-marked thickness should be used when creating each Shopify variant.

Important: The tappet thickness is not selected from the vehicle registration or model alone. Valve clearance must first be measured with the engine in the condition and at the temperature specified by Mazda. The existing tappet must then be removed and measured or identified so the required replacement thickness can be calculated.

Fitment advice: These tappets are confirmed within Mazda LF/MZR-family valve systems, including the MX-5 NC 2.0-litre LF-VE engine. Other Mazda applications may use the same numbered tappets, but engine specification and required thickness must be confirmed before ordering.

Other items to consider: When carrying out valve-clearance work, consider inspecting the camshaft lobes, valve springs, valve stems, timing-chain components, camshaft seals, rocker-cover gasket and spark-plug tube seals. Any disturbed single-use bolts, seals or gaskets should be replaced where specified by Mazda.

Useful tools / consumables: Accurate metric feeler gauges, micrometer, torque wrench, timing tools, socket set, clean assembly lubricant, engine oil, magnetic retrieval tool and suitable containers for keeping each removed tappet identified by cylinder and valve position.

Difficulty guide: DIY Difficulty: Advanced. The procedure requires accurate valve-clearance measurement, removal of the camshafts and maintenance of the correct engine timing. Incorrect measurement, tappet selection or camshaft timing can cause poor operation or serious engine damage. Installation by an experienced engine technician is recommended.

Why Genuine Mazda? Genuine Mazda tappets are manufactured in individually calibrated thicknesses to match the original camshaft, valve and cylinder-head arrangement. Correct dimensional accuracy, surface finish and material specification are essential for maintaining the intended valve clearance and reliable valvetrain operation.

What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda valve-clearance adjusting tappet in the size selected from the product options.

Installation notes: Measure and record the clearance at every valve before dismantling. Keep all removed tappets identified by their original positions. Measure or read the thickness of each tappet being replaced and calculate the required replacement using the applicable Mazda workshop procedure. Lubricate the tappet and camshaft contact surfaces during assembly, reinstall the camshafts with the correct timing and torque settings, rotate the engine manually and recheck every valve clearance before starting the engine.