Mazda mx5 timing belt

[kevinarbury1]

Hi there,

I was told the other that my mk2 mx5 1.6 engine is particularly desirable to motoring enthusiasts because if the timing belt snaps while driving the design of the engine means it can’t be damaged like other cars.
I’m not completely sure this guy is speaking the truth or understands how a timing belt works.
Any ideas???
TIA

[anonymous-user]

Its true, I think its known as non interference but might be wrong

[kevinarbury1]

Really?! So it’s no worry about getting it changed then?

[snotrag]

Mk1 and mk2 use a variation of the same engine design, that is particularly low compression becusee of its turbocharged roots - this is why they are so easy and suitable to boost in an MX-5.

This also means they are non interference, the pistons don't rise high enough to touch the valves if the valves are at full lift.

So if the timing belt snaps, the pistons don't smash the valves up.

However I HATE the idea that may seem to have of just leaving it till it snaps being safe and hassle free - If it snaps while your driving, you've still got a a breakdown in potnetialsl dangerous area, lose your brakes and power steering, stuck with a dead car etc etc.

[snotrag]

kevinarbury1 said:

Really?! So it’s no worry about getting it changed then?

You need to change it as per the service schedule, same as any other car.

[littleredrooster]

It's called a 'non-interference' engine and there are quite a few. Don't know about the the Mk 2 (my Mk 3 has a chain) but some engines from Fiat and Vauxhall (amongst others) that I've had in the past were NI engines.

[Gad-Westy]

kevinarbury1 said:

Really?! So it’s no worry about getting it changed then?

It's just potentially less damaging when it goes pop. You still don't want to be stranded at the side of a road and a snapped belt could still cause a bit of mess if bits get tangled in pulleys.

It's a pretty easy job on an MX5. Shouldn't cost much or a few hours to do yourself.

[Drive it fix it repeat]

Yes that’s true but it’s also a very easy DIY job if you are even vaguely capable. I’ve done a few and should take you no longer than a few hours and that’s being generous. Very cheap to buy aswell so no good reason to let it snap really.

[Adam91_]

I've just bought a Mk1 1.6 (eunos) and not sure when cambelt was last done.

If it's as easy as mentioned above, does anyone have any good guides/links?

[snotrag]

The Rod Grainger maintenance manual is superb (miles better than a Haynes)pick one up on ebay or amazon. Well worth it.

Walks you right through a timing belt.

[snotrag]

First hit on ebay -

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-MX5-Enthusiasts-W...

[Adam91_]

Cheers.... guess I'm, in luck as one of those manuals was given to me with the car!

[pewe]

kevinarbury1 said:

Really?! So it’s no worry about getting it changed then?

As others have said do not ignore the service intervals on belt changes.
If the belt does let go it can take out the timing chest covers, jam in the cam gear wheels or worse.

[TVRees]

Adam91_ said:

.... does anyone have any good guides/links?

Check YouTube, there's lots of good stuff on there too. I'm planning on doing mine soon and I just bought a complete kit of parts from mx5.co.youknowwhere.