Just a quick pop-in, I'd appreciate advice:

First: I am above average shade tree mechanic, mostly experienced with Volvos and Volkswagons...sorry, that my thing. That and Studebakers, go figure...

My neighbor has 2002 Protoge5 with 103,000 miles. He needs a timing belt cheap, I need a bit of cash. I've done all my timing belt changes on my own cars, so it's not a mystery in general.

My questions are thus:
1) at 103K miles what else should be done with the Mazda engine? Tensioner? Tensioner pulleys? Water pump? Remember this is two temporarily poor guys trying to help one another...I'd prefer to make it all new if it were a VW, and just a water pump if it were Volvo, but I simply don't know with a Mazda. Maybe just a belt is all they need. I just don't know.
2) Are there any special tools needed? I've got a full tool box, but do I need any Mazda specific tools?
3) Having done TBelts on other cars, do I really need a manual to find those hidden fasteners or that part A HAS to come out before Part B, or is it pretty obvious and straight forward?

Thanks for your patience and help!

Ron

 

I did a write-up in the protege section about a timing belt swap. Just look for the thread. It shows all of the things that you will need as far as supplies. You don't need any special tools. I just have to say that 1/4 inch sockets and some impact tools will help out a lot. I also keep a dental tool in my tool box to help with putting on the belt tensioner.

 

Thanks, I'll search now.

 

So it looks like the belt (duh), tensioner spring only (unless damage or other wear is seen) seals and VC gasket if needed, and go ahead and hit the water pump too. How about the t-stat? Do it now or just as needed?

I appreciate the advice!

 

My neighbor finally dropped his Protege for the t'belt change...that was easy! At least compared to changing the timing CHAIN in a VW VR6. Then again working on anything is easier than a VR6.

All was quite logical in the tear-down and reassembly, the only thing irritating was trying to get to one of the bolts on the lower belt cover, which needed a deepwell socket I did not have and there was not enough clearance for an extension. Now I own a 10 mm deepwell.

Thanks for the advice.