buying a 92 protege

[awdlaunch132]

i had a few question about a protege i am picking up in a few days. yes i searched and these are the two questions i cannot seem to find.

1. i believe its dohc is the head zero clearence or are they like the miata motors (aka timing belt goes out and doesn't bend any valves)
2. ive searched but what are some problem areas for these cars. Is there anything specific i should look out for.

Thanks for your responses guys!!!

(band) that is a sweet smily

[almightybmw]

1. same motor as the miata, non interference. Just different intake and exhaust for fwd vs rwd layout.
2. the disty o-ring and valve cover gasket tend to leak sooner than anything else. These cars last, and don't have many problems. Congrats on your purchase :)

[mannydingo]

I take it you bought a car that you either know or suspect might have the timing belt broken. I confirm to you that the engine is non-interference.

[awdlaunch132]

well i am planning on doing the timing belt and was just wondering what kind of pressure i was under... aka if im off it just won't start instead of me bending some valves. Is it really just a miata motor? i thought it was simalar but not the same motor. if it is then your right the valve cover gasket will leak and the cas oring will leak. i can knock out the timing belt in about an hour and a half on miata. sweet!!

[mannydingo]

My dad's MPV leaks at the valve cover so I don't think it matters wether the Miata & Protege have the same engine or not. It may be a Mazda thing. Maybe it's the factory gasket material type they used. That or something else.

[awdlaunch132]

lol yeah i must be a mazda thing my buddies 626 had a leaky valve cover also.