I wondering if anyone might know whether the 2.0L in the gen 3 cars have an intereference engine or not (I.e. if I blow a timing belt, does the piston smash the valves?).

From what I have heard (non conclusive) it appears that they do and that being the case the timing belt replacement needs to be done on the correct schedule.

thanks!

 

I'm pretty certain the FP and FS engines are non-interference fit engines, but I would still change the timing belt per Mazdas schedule. I want the improved timing accuracy and reliability/performance that goes along with it.

 

thanks guys... I was getting all sort of conflicting information off the web... I know that I need to change the belt accordingly, but in the case of my old Subaru wagon the belt popped at 40k miles which was well shy of the recommended 60k swap out time. It was nice to know that there was no damage when it happend.

thanks again!

 

There is one Mazda motor that has interference fit heads. The F2 engine in the '88-'92 MX6/626/Ford Probe. The following quote was borrowed from this website. http://members.aol.com/solomiata/MX5Engine.html


"The stroke was increased in 1988 for the 2.2 F2 motor as used in the B2200 and MX6/626/Ford Probe. None of the Mazda 4 cylinder heads are an interferance fit with the exception of the long stroke 2.2"