Does a 4-cyl 1996 Mazda 626 hae a timing chain or timing belt?

Question

I have a 1996 Mazda 626 ith the 4cyl engine. At one time the previous owner was told it needed a timing belt and purchased one, but never had it put on. I've been told that japanese vehichles by 1996 were all using timing chains.

Answer 1

It's got a timing belt.

Here are instructions with pictures on how to replace it if you still want to try to do it yourself.

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/14/42/2d/0900823d8014422d.jsp

Even to this day some japanese cars still use timing belts, but most have gone to chains.

Answer 2

There are several 4 cylinder engines, 1,586, -1,796, -1,970cc engines all have timing chains, --the 1,998cc has a timing belt! The book I used for my pickup only goes up to 1986, so I can't guarantee you this is still the case! If it has a timing belt it is a fairly easy job to change it (compared to a chain) it is behind a "tin" cover at the very front of the engine, and somewhere along the area, you can actually see the belt! -- Note the chain will last much much longer before needing changed! In any case get yourself a Haynes auto repair manual, and it will show you just what you have to do!!

If it has a timing chain, it is housed in that long rectangular chamber at the front of the valve cover. It requires removal of the front housing (valve cover first), -- also the waterpump and all the stuff that "laps" over the cover. You most likely will have to remove the front crank pulley, (unless you get a timing chain with removeable "master link, __If you figure out some way to block the chain tensioner (compressed) or remove it....You could possobly then "roll" the chain through all the way (by hooking to other chain) - finally getting it all the way around, and putting the master link back in (after disconnecting old chain). I used to do this with Mercedes Benz cars, -- it is a job, -- you have to be very careful you don't jump a "cog" on the gears, (and check timing marks when you are done just to be sure). But it saved about 3 hours labor! The chain tensioner was where you could put a screwdriver down alongside the timing case and block in fully compressed position!!

Answer 3

1998 Mazda 626 Timing Marks

Answer 4

2.0 4-cyl?
Belt...
For sale on Ebay $15.96

Answer 5

yes