Searched and didn't find a clear answer. I know the original gasket was paper, and then it was updated to metal. I know the 93 didn't have the metal gasket. Did that metal gasket come on either 94's and 95's? Sounds like no on the 94's, not sure about 95 model. I'm referring to USDM cars.

 

Cant comment on USDM cars. But all of my fd's had metal gaskets. Even the bone stock 93 car that had never been taken apart. Cars in sig.

 

I think it was only early '93s that had the paper gasket. It was such a bad idea I think the problem reared its head quickly.

It's so hard to say many times because you can't tell if the motor is original or not.

But, that's the trend that I've always seen.

Dale

 

thanks for the response. I'm picking up a 95 model and am trying to plan maintenance for it. Looks like the LIM gasket isn't necessary.

 

Congrats on the new ride, was following that closely. Glad to see a nice one stay in the family, so to speak.

 

I would be shocked if the 95s still had that paper gasket. It should be easy to tell by looking if it's metal or paper.

Also, if it actually idles right and doesn't have an exhaust leak, you don't have a blown out paper gasket .

Dale

 

i know this is an old thread, but Mazda switched to the metal gasket 3/1997 (car 405607 if it matters), about when i started at the dealership. we replaced a LOT of the paper ones under warranty

 

Good to know, thanks.

 

I had one of the last 95s ever sold in the US, owner actually bought it in 96, come into the shop. Running terrible because it had a blown out paper gasket.

 

^Good to know! I guess the 97 switchover point holds water. I think they are so rarely seen since most cars have either had the gasket replaced due to a blowout or replaced when an engine went in.

Still blows my mind that Mazda used that crappy gasket - they had metal gaskets on some of the FC's so this isn't new technology. I guess they were trying to save a few bucks!

Dale

 

its a bit of trivia, but the last batch of 1995's were assembled in December of 1995, so they didn't even get here until 1996...

 

the Fc didn't get metal gaskets until after the FD.

 

Funny thing is that the N/A has the metal gasket, while the TII is still paper.

 

i have a feeling it is because of the coolant O rings.

 

my 95 was sold in June of 1996

 

can we play a guessing game? is it red?

 

BB actually

 

did you buy it in Kentucky?

 

no, St. Louis. In maybe 2007?

 

In response to this thread, I had my mechanic check the LIM gasket on my '95 (April 95 batch) while tracking down a rough idle issue. He confirmed that my car has the metal gasket, not paper.

Is it possible that Mazda switched back and forth between the gasket types during the '95 production run?

 

no. its nearly certain it was replaced under warranty

 

Are you referring to a recall?

I'm pretty certain that the LIM gasket on my car has never been replaced. (owned from new)

 

There may have been a TSB on that gasket, no recall though. I have seen a few FD's with the original paper gasket that had the gasket blow out and leak. Results in high idle and car generally running poorly. With a leak there it's possible you could have a fire situation since the air coming from that leak will have atomized fuel in it under boost.

Dale

 

I can confirm with. I ordered one from Mazda and slapped it in my s5 NA.