RIDEX Valve / Cam Cover Gasket – MX-5 Mk3 NC 1.8 & 2.0 • 321G0235

RIDEX 321G0235 Valve / Cam Cover Gasket – MX-5 Mk3 NC 1.8 & 2.0

Replacement RIDEX cylinder-head cover gasket, also commonly called a rocker-cover, valve-cover or cam-cover gasket, for Mazda MX-5 Mk3/NC models with 1.8 and 2.0-litre MZR petrol engines.

The gasket seals the joint between the cylinder head and upper cam / valve cover. Its job is to retain engine oil inside the cylinder-head area while preventing contamination and oil leakage around the perimeter of the cover.

MazSpec confirms RIDEX 321G0235 across the complete MX-5 Mk3/NC 1.8 and 2.0 range from March 2005 through December 2014. The same gasket family is also used across selected Ford, Mazda and Volvo Duratec / MZR applications.

Typical signs of deterioration include oil seepage around the edge of the cam cover, oil collecting around the cylinder-head area, burning-oil smells where oil reaches hot engine components, or visible gasket hardening or damage when the cover is removed.

• Part type: Cylinder-head cover / rocker-cover gasket
• Installation position: Cylinder head to cam / valve cover
• MX-5 engine applications: MZR 1.8 and 2.0 petrol
• EAN: 4064138263290
• Approximate manufacturer-listed weight: 0.07 kg
• Quantity supplied: 1 cover gasket
• Brand: RIDEX
• Part No.: 321G0235

Fitment advice: MazSpec confirms this gasket for Mazda MX-5 Mk3/NC 1.8 and 2.0 engines throughout the 2005–2014 production period. It corresponds with Mazda OE references LF02-10-230 and LF14-10-230.

Common replacement reasons: Oil leakage, hardened or flattened gasket material, cam-cover removal for engine servicing, valve-train inspection, timing work or replacement during wider cylinder-head repairs.

Other items to consider: Inspect the cam-cover sealing surface, breather / PCV system, spark-plug wells, ignition coils and nearby oil seals. Excess crankcase pressure from a restricted ventilation system can contribute to repeated oil leakage.

Useful tools / consumables: Socket and ratchet set, torque wrench suitable for low tightening values, non-damaging gasket-removal equipment, cleaning solvent and any sealant specifically required at designated joint transitions by the Mazda workshop procedure.

Difficulty guide: DIY Difficulty: Moderate. Access is relatively straightforward compared with internal engine repairs, but careful cleaning, correct gasket positioning and accurate low-torque tightening are important to avoid leaks or cover damage.

Why RIDEX? RIDEX engine-sealing components provide a cost-effective aftermarket replacement manufactured for OE-equivalent applications. Correct cam-cover sealing helps retain lubrication oil and keeps the upper engine area clean and dry.

What’s in the box: One RIDEX 321G0235 cylinder-head cover gasket. Cam cover, bolts, ignition components and installation tools are not included.

Installation notes: Allow the engine to cool before dismantling. Remove the cam cover carefully and clean the gasket groove and cylinder-head mating surface without scratching them. Inspect the cover for distortion or damage, position the replacement gasket correctly and apply sealant only at points specifically required by the Mazda procedure. Refit the cover and tighten the fasteners gradually and evenly in the correct sequence to the specified torque. Check for oil leakage after the engine has been run and brought up to operating temperature.