Genuine Mazda Camshaft / Rocker Cover Gasket – 1.8 VVT • BP6D-10-235A

Genuine Mazda Camshaft / Rocker Cover Gasket – 1.8 VVT

Replacement Genuine Mazda camshaft-cover gasket for Mazda MX-5 Mk2.5 NB-FL models fitted with the naturally aspirated 1.8-litre VVT petrol engine.

The gasket fits between the aluminium camshaft or rocker cover and the upper surface of the cylinder head. It seals engine oil inside the cylinder-head assembly while preventing dirt, water and other contaminants from entering around the cover.

The moulded gasket also provides the sealing sections around the spark-plug wells. As the material ages, repeated engine heat cycles can cause it to harden, flatten or crack, allowing oil to escape around the outside of the cover or collect inside the plug wells.

One gasket is fitted per engine, and this listing supplies one complete Genuine Mazda camshaft-cover gasket.

Important design note: It is normal for this gasket not to be joined between the No. 1 and No. 2 cylinder areas. This separation is part of the original Mazda gasket design and does not indicate that the new component is damaged.

Important fitment restriction: BP6D-10-235A is for the naturally aspirated 1.8-litre VVT engine used in the Mk2.5 NB-FL. Earlier non-VVT 1.8 engines, 1.6-litre engines and factory turbo models use different cover-gasket specifications.

• Part type: Camshaft / rocker-cover gasket
• Common names: Valve-cover gasket / cylinder-head-cover gasket / cam-cover seal
• Mazda catalogue description: Gasket, Head Cover
• Location: Camshaft cover to cylinder head
• Function: Seals engine oil within the upper cylinder-head assembly
• Engine application: Naturally aspirated 1.8-litre VVT petrol engine
• Primary engine code: BP-Z3
• Spark-plug-well sealing sections: Included within the moulded gasket
• Quantity fitted per engine: 1
• Quantity supplied: 1 gasket
• Camshaft cover included: No
• Cover bolts or sealing washers included: No
• Sealant included: No
• Brand: Genuine Mazda
• Part No.: BP6D-10-235A
• MX-5 fitment: Mk2.5 NB-FL 1.8 VVT, naturally aspirated models

Typical signs of gasket deterioration:

• Engine oil leaking around the edge of the camshaft cover
• Oil collecting inside the spark-plug wells
• Burning-oil smell from oil reaching hot engine or exhaust components
• Visible oil staining down the cylinder head
• Gasket hardened, flattened, cracked or permanently compressed
• Oil contamination around ignition coils or spark-plug leads
• Camshaft cover removed during engine servicing

Fitment advice: Confirm that the vehicle has the naturally aspirated 1.8-litre VVT engine. Do not select this gasket solely from the vehicle year, as other MX-5 engine variants use different camshaft covers and gasket profiles.

Replacement advice: The gasket compresses during installation and should normally be replaced whenever the camshaft cover is removed. Reusing an aged or previously compressed gasket can result in an oil leak after reassembly.

Inspection advice: Check the camshaft-cover sealing groove and cylinder-head mating surface for hardened gasket material, oil deposits, damage or distortion. Inspect the cover itself for cracks and confirm that its fixing points have not been damaged through previous overtightening.

Sealant advice: Apply sealant only at the locations and in the quantity specified by Mazda. Coating the complete gasket with sealant can prevent correct seating and make future removal more difficult.

Other items to consider: Inspect the camshaft-cover bolt seals, breather and PCV hoses, PCV valve, oil-filler cap seal, ignition components and spark plugs while the cover is removed.

Useful tools / consumables: Socket set, calibrated low-range torque wrench, plastic gasket-removal tool, brake or parts cleaner, lint-free cloths and Mazda-approved sealing compound where specified.

Difficulty guide: DIY Difficulty: Moderate. Access is generally straightforward, but careful surface preparation, gasket positioning and low-torque tightening are necessary to avoid leaks or camshaft-cover damage.

Why Genuine Mazda? Genuine Mazda camshaft-cover gaskets match the original cover groove, cylinder-head profile, spark-plug-well sealing positions and heat-resistant material specification. Correct moulding and fit help provide an even seal without requiring excessive fixing-bolt torque.

What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda camshaft / rocker-cover gasket, part number BP6D-10-235A.

Installation notes: Allow the engine to cool, disconnect or move the necessary ignition and breather components, and remove the camshaft cover without damaging its sealing face. Remove the old gasket and clean the cover groove and cylinder-head mating surface thoroughly. Fit the new gasket fully into the groove, maintaining its intended orientation. Apply approved sealant only at the specified joint locations, refit the cover and tighten the fasteners progressively in the correct sequence to the applicable Mazda specification. Reconnect all hoses and ignition components, then inspect for oil leakage after the engine has run and cooled.