How to change the timing belt on a Mazda 626?

1) With the 626 in the bay, the first step is to remove the battery cable, spark plugs and cam and crank sensors. 2) Remove the drive belts and move the power steering pump to the side, with hoses attached. 3) Remove the valve cover and position the engine so the number one cylinder is on top dead center of the compression stroke.

How can I tell which timing belt I have?

The first step in identifying which timing belt that you have is to look for identifying numbers and/or letters marked on the timing belt. These numbers indicate a standard trade size and will help in identifying the specifics of the cog belt.

How do you remove a timing belt from an engine?

Remove the bolts or screws holding the timing cover in place. Remove this cover off the engine. Some engines have a two-piece timing cover. Remove any components or accessory drive belts that interfere with removing the timing belt cover.

How often do you need to change timing belt?

Available for a few dollars at any auto parts store, you’ll likely need to change yours every 90,000 to 120,000 miles (140,000 to 190,000 km), depending on your engine. Gather the information about your vehicle. You will need to know the make, model, and year model of the vehicle, as well as the engine type and size.

What causes timing chain to jump on Mazda 2.3?

IIRC on the 2.3 there is no keyway to keep the crank gear and balancer aligned. If the engine is spinning and has compression you probably spun the balancer and it’s out of time. Set piston 1 at TDC and line the balancer up as indicated.

Why is my timing chain making a noise?

With timing chain engines, the most common complaint is noise from the stretched chain or variable valve timing actuator. Or, you may see P0011 or P0012 DTCs, indicating the cam timing is not as expected. This code could be as simple as the oil level being low, but it could also be the result of a worn chain or actuator.

Is it worth it to replace timing chain?

If the chain broke the actual damage might be minimal. Depends on how expensive a new chain is, but it could be worth it to just replace the chain, re-align and see how the engine runs. Doing an (2nd hand) engine replacement will still be available as a last resort. (For a 155.000 km engine a rebuild just isn’t worth it.)

What happens when the timing chain breaks on a Mazda?

If you can find a local car breaker with an old replacement engine that doesn’t look obviously past its sell-by date, that would probably be your cheapest option. If the chain jumped or broke while turning the engine with the starter, what could happen (if you are unlucky) is that a piston hits and bends some valve.

What should the idle speed be on a Mazda 626?

Bring the engine to an idle speed of 500 to 800 rpm if you have an automatic transmission, or 550 to 800 if you have an automatic transmission. Exit your Mazda 626 with the emergency brake firmly engaged and open the hood to gain access to your engine.

How to change the timing belt on a Mazda 626?