Timing belt

[madboy]

Is there an easy way to inspect the timing belt for wear? I don't plan on changing it myself, I probably could if I really set my mind to do it, but I really don't feel like doing it wrong and breaking something tho.

My roadster is about to click over 120k and a couple of nights ago i had this sinking feeling about wether the belt had been changed or not. I can't find any stickers in the engine bay and for some reason i cannot find the paperwork i swear i had that said the timing belt and water pump had been replaced before i brought it.

I'd like to check before i book this particularly expensive service in. Any ideas? I know i could remove the rocker cover but if there is easier than that then please tell me

Cheers
MB

[OMY005]

Is there an easy way to inspect the timing belt for wear?

Not really, I've changed a few that have done over 120K and there isn't any visible signs. After I have taken it off I turn it inside out and had a look at the teeth some of the fibres were broken. But you cant to this while its on the car. Best to try and verify that it has been changed previously.

Andrew.

[bruce]

I guess if you see aftermarket markings on the belt it would have been done.
Worst thing is the belt breaks, but the motor is non-interference so there will be no damage, the car will just stop.

[Steampunk]

My roadster is about to click over 120k and a couple of nights ago i had this sinking feeling about wether the belt had been changed or not.

Better be safe than sorry.
I'm sure you can "con" a couple of us into helping you change the belts as it's pretty easy to do.

[madboy]

I'm sure you can "con" a couple of us into helping you change the belts as it's pretty easy to do.

So if i was to put some steaks on the BBQ and provide some liquid refeshment, who would "con"able to give me a hand with this over easter?

[madboy]

Well, looks like I am doing this by myself. Anyway

I have a Dayco timing belt kit on order, not sure if it has a new spring but i know it has idler and tensioner pulleys, cam seals and the belt,

Not sure if i should do the main crank seal or not, I see no evidence of a leak

I will grab a aftermarket water pump, they have one for $60.... this seems awfully cheap, are they aftermarket ones that shite?

I read somewhere that its a good idea to replace the crank bolt and woodruff key while your in there? are people still of the opinion that this is a good idea? I have a long nose 1.6, 8 slot belt pully

will also be grabbing alternator and a/c p/s belts too.

Anything else that should be replaced?

any handy tools to have? I am pretty sure i have everything but the home made tool to hold the crank still while getting that bolt undone.

Cheers
MB

[SuperMazdaKart]

Yes do the crank oil seal. Mines leaking & is booked in to be done tommorrow, with about another 60,000ks before the next timing belt is due...

Should replace the crank bolt on 1.6L, woodruff key if the old isn't good.

[JBT]

I read somewhere that its a good idea to replace the crank bolt and woodruff key while your in there? are people still of the opinion that this is a good idea?

Yes, a very good idea.

[madboy]

Well, timing belt didn't happen this weekend, lack of funds and general motivation was lacking, along with pressure from my significant other.

But... it will most certainly happen next weekend, I have noticed today, my water pump is leaking...some people believe in coincidence, not me.

[madboy]

Well, Uncle Kev finally paid out today, so parts shopping I go.

On the list I have

Timing Belt
Idler/tensoner Pullies
Tensoner spring
Acc belts 1V 1Ribbed
Cam seals
front crank seal
woodruff key and new crank bolt
waterpump
I am not sure if i should replace the thermostat while i am in there? is it worth putting a cooler one in?

Can anyone advise me of any other things that can/should be maintained while all this is apart?

Had a look at the TB butterfly and a look into the plenum, looks dirty, is there any other way apart from spraying liberal amounts of TB in there to clean it up?

MB

[Okibi]

I think it's a good list!

cam seals include cam cover gasget?
coolant

Does anyone recommend that stuff you run in your car for a few hours to "flush" out the cooling system before you drain your coolant?

[madboy]

I think it's a good list!

cam seals include cam cover gasget?
coolant

Does anyone recommend that stuff you run in your car for a few hours to "flush" out the cooling system before you drain your coolant?

Cheers Okibi, I forgot the coolant, already had a cam cover seal.

Just called mazda to order a new woodruff and bolt and the guy had trouble finding the right part, he wanted my VIN, but its an import roadster, will the VIN on the car still be valid for what he is trying to look up? I really wanted to get these ordered today and don't have my VIN on me.

Does anyone have the part numbers for long nose crank bolt and woodruff? I can't seem to find them listed anywhere.

Cheers
MB