I have a 1999 1.6 automatic Mazda Protege in need of a timing belt change. Now we got everthing off and even changed the waterpump, but cant get the timing belt just right. Now the car wont start at all. Does anyone know how to replace the timing belt. (Please talk to me like I'm two, be very detailed.


Thanks Helpless One[:@]

 

Hi, I have a 98 Mazda Protog'e with the 1.5 Dual Overhead Cam engine. We used a Haynes manual to set up the cam timing, but was informed by the Mazda dealer here in town, that the 1.5 uses the cam sprockets from the 1.6 engine. If you have a Haynes Auto Repair Manual it indicates rather clearly the marks on the cams and crank sprokets. However, I will alert you that when you turn the cams to get the marks to align like they are suppose to be, you will find that due to lifter/ valve spring tensions on the cam lobes that the cams will try to turn before you get the belt on them. You have to have extra help to hold the cams from turning as you slip the belt on the sprockets starting with the crankshaft sprocket first. You will also find that NOT slipping the belt all the way back on the sprocket all at once, but a little at each sprocket a little at a time works best. Then you use the tensioner to take up the slack to the left side of the belt viewed facing the belt end of the engine. Leave NO slack between the cam sprockets and/or the crank sprocket from the right side of the timing belt. This will assure that all slack will be taken up by the tensioner side only.

Hope this helps,
Russ M.

 

Good information! Thanks!