Camshaft timing

I did not buy it yet but would like to buy it so this will be my first immediate repair.

Engine Mechanical problem
1996 Mazda Protege 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Hi, I'm trying to find the timing marks for this 1.5l DOHC engine.
Should I be using the Z mark/2 notches or the I and E letters on each camshaft sprocket?

I have aligned the crankshaft to the oil pan marking. Now I have to figure out which cam markings to use.

In the Haynes manual as with others it is not clear.

Thanks,

Lee

Hi. Thanks for getting back to me. I have a twin cam arrangement so how does one align the markings. Match the I and E's or use the notches on the sprockets or a combination of both?

The markings are like the haynes book arrangement. I have tried the 1.8 DOHC and the engine almost ran. But was very rough. So those markings seem close.

Hope to hear from you,

Thanks,

Lee

Hi. Thanks for getting back to me. I have a twin cam arrangement so how does one align the markings. Match the I and E's or use the notches on the sprockets or a combination of both?

The markings are like the haynes book arrangement. I have tried the 1.8 DOHC and the engine almost ran. But was very rough. So those markings seem close.

Hope to hear from you,

Thanks,

Lee[/quote:74412a63f1]

Well I managed to figure it out. Seems if your using the Haynes manual and use figure 7.41e which is the 1.6l DOHC arrangement the markings will work with the 1.5l variant also. I added an extra tooth position below the markings on both sprockets to block markings. Left the tension spring bolt slightly loose and cranked the engine.

After a little reluctance the engine started and ran.

So TDC on the crankshaft and distributor to #1 sparkplug, then do the cams to block markings and things will work.

Thanks for getting back to me. Tho I don't have a single or chain cam arrangement.

Lee

My '98 Mazda Protege is up on 90,000 miles and I am going to get the timing belt replaced, can anyone tell me if the cam, crank and waterpump need to be replaced since they are in the same area? I am getting conflicting reports. What are the cam and crank for anyway?
Also, I have never had any scheduled mainteance done on this car (and she's been so good to me), what have I overlooked that really needs to be done?
Thanks!
Liz

As with any timing belt replacement repair you should always replace the waterpump. The crank and cam need not be changed but I am sure your friends are referring to the seals. They have a tendency to start leaking at any time so now is the time to replace them.

Hi, In order to replace the head gasket of my car I had to remove the camshafts.

When reinstalling the cams and cam sprockets
how do I ensure I set up the timing right?

I also had to replace the Harmonic Balancer pulley as it was wobbling before I removed it.

This car has never been worked on before.

My worry is reinstalling the cam sprockets and cams in the right sequence. (I am so determined to get this right amidst my initial carelessness)

I marked the timing belt(which I am also replacing) and the cam sprockets before removing them but they were not exactly at TDS. I just marked them where they were and took some pictures.

Isn't there a specific level at which specific pistons should be?

Would it help to manually turn the crankshaft now while the head is off to help ensure I am resetting the timing right?

Attached is a picture of where my pistons are right now.

I am waiting for a Haynes manual to arrive before proceeding but it sure would help to be enlightened a bit to help ensure I follow the instructions properly!

I am no mechanic yet but because I have time and have come this far I am having fun figuring this out. I have learned what seems to me to be a lot having made it this far. I enjoy the DIY experience.

Thanks for reading this :)

Hey Ken! Thank you for the help you have given me. I truly appreciate it!

God Bless. :)

I was running on the Highway when my car turn off, well after I tow it to my house I figure out it was the timing belt, my question is when I replace the timing could something else broke down since the timing belt broke is there anything I should check before replacing the timing belt?

Where is the timing belt supposed to line up at #1 top dead center

I can't figure out the bottom marks from the poly the poly has 1 mark and the other thing that is on the side has like a T and a 10 and a lot of small marks.