How to Change the Timing Belt on a 2.0L, 4 Cylinder Mazda Mx6 1993 to

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Obtain a manual and check and it should have torquing instructions for bolts and compare their instructions to this and follow any recommendations about removal

   The owner/operator guide omits such repairs.
   
   The factory Mazda, OEM, repair manuals do not explain in detail for a beginner and advise use of unnecessary tools. (The tools needed will be mentioned in each step.) Check the manuals and see which of these cars used this same engine
   -- some up to
   2004.
   
   Caution:
   Use the "smallest workable ratchet, breakover wrench and/or cheater leverage extension" correctly to not over tighten (over torque) bolts and avoid breaking off a bolt or screw (more detail in the "Warnings Section").
   
   You actually might have to remove the engine to extract a broken bolt when you do the reassembly if you break off a screw or bolt in a tight spot for instance. , Change the timing belt, timing belt tensioner and its idler pulley.
   
   Caution: this is an interference engine meaning that the valves and pistons will come into contact, interfere and damage or ruin the engine in case (if) the timing belt were to break or slips on cam(s) sprockets or the crankshaft sprocket (more detail in the "Warnings Section"). ,,,, You will need to loosen the lock bolts a turn or more and then loosen the tensioner a good number of turns until you can get enough slack to remove the belts. , This will help get some working space, where it is difficult to loosen and tighten the lock bolt on the power steering tensioner with a combination wrench (14mm) even by switching ends of the wrench.
   
   Do not pry belts off or on. , The older models do have two flat belts (not v-belts) and the newer models probably have a single serpentine belt.
   
   Do not pry or force the belts to get them off; you will probably need it all loosened even more to get the new tighter belts on anyway. ,
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   Step 2: installation and replacement instructions

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   Step 3: pictures and diagrams that may be helpful.

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   Step 4: Avoid engine damage from the timing belt breaking or slipping

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   Step 5: or the tensioner pulley or idler pulley locking up (seizing) or the timing belt skipping one or more cogs on a sprocket causing valve timing problems and possibly breaking valves

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   Step 6: pistons and/or the engine cylinder (block): Diagram shows both halves of the timing covers

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   Step 7: a large thin washer behind the harmonic pulley is a guard for the crankshaft opening in the lower half timing cover

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   Step 8: retaining bolt for the harmonic pulley.

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   Step 9: Understand the numbering of the cylinders and label the spark plug cables and cylinders 1

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    Step 10: 4 from left to right but the other end is not that easy and carefully pry and get the cables off their spark plugs.

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    Step 11: Check your manual for firing order which will be 1

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    Step 12: 2 or such for 1993--1997 (verify this carefully) and 1

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    Step 13: 2 or such for after 1998 for how they plug onto the coil pack or distributor on older models.Caution: Disconnect the negative battery terminal so your engine can not be accidentally turned or started in error

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    Step 14: you must remove the spark plugs before doing dangerous work.

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    Step 15: Drain all the coolant from the engine and keep it to use again or dispose of it legally; no matter how little.

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    Step 16: Remove both of the accessory belt(s) for the alternator and power steering

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    Step 17: etc: The older models with two belts have lock bolts on the tensioner bolts that must be loosened before you can turn the long tensioner bolt.

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    Step 18: Remove the bolts holding the power steering pump by unbolting the 3 bolts to release the power steering pump bracket from the engine (12mm and 14mm)

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    Step 19: but without opening or unsealing the power steering hoses or you will need to drain it and refill it when finished.

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    Step 20: Loosen the long bolt of alternator pivoting bracket on the alternator belt; so it will allow the adjustable accessory to pivot as tension is released

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    Step 21: loosen the tensioner enough to remove the belt.

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    Step 22: Follow serpentine belt instructions in your operator manual and see their diagram for that kind of belt

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    Step 23: if so equipped on newer models.

Detailed Guide

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