The interference (myth) comes up because the Gates timing belt chart lists the Protege 5 as one of the few Mazda's that have an interference engine.
http://www.gates.com/downloads/download_common.cfm?file=428-1466_web.pdf&folder=brochure
Most of you don't agree with them and perhaps you are right. I don't know, but I have not seen any Mazda reference stating the P5 is a non-interference engine. I did a search and didn't find a lot of information on the subject. I have a shop manual and cannot find any reference that mentions if it is a non-interference engine. I know a Mazda technician said it's non-interference in another thread.
I have changed a few timing belts in other cars and it's not necessary to know if car is non-interference to change a belt. If the belt breaks that's different story. My son had one break in an Isuzu Stylus, it is a non interference engine and no harm was done.
I do have a question for those who have removed a Protege cylinder head. Do the pistons have valve reliefs cut in the top of the piston? That information would help.
Clifton
http://www.gates.com/downloads/download_common.cfm?file=428-1466_web.pdf&folder=brochure
Most of you don't agree with them and perhaps you are right. I don't know, but I have not seen any Mazda reference stating the P5 is a non-interference engine. I did a search and didn't find a lot of information on the subject. I have a shop manual and cannot find any reference that mentions if it is a non-interference engine. I know a Mazda technician said it's non-interference in another thread.
I have changed a few timing belts in other cars and it's not necessary to know if car is non-interference to change a belt. If the belt breaks that's different story. My son had one break in an Isuzu Stylus, it is a non interference engine and no harm was done.
I do have a question for those who have removed a Protege cylinder head. Do the pistons have valve reliefs cut in the top of the piston? That information would help.
Clifton
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