Block/head gasket, and timight chain/non-interfrence engine?

[rtfm17]

I am looking for some semi-technical info about a 1999 Mazda Protege LX.

1) Is the engine block aluminum or steel/cast iron/etc?

2) Is there a recommended mileage at which to replace the engine head gasket?

3) I've heard the engine is a non-interference design, meaning the pistons are molded such that the valves can never come into contact them with them. Does that mean if a timing belt snaps, it will NOT damage the engine head? (Has anyone had that happen?)

Any info or any resources you can point me to, would be greatly appreciated!

 

[B.L. Zebop]

I am looking for some semi-technical info about a 1999 Mazda Protege LX.

1) Is the engine block aluminum or steel/cast iron/etc?

The FS series 1.8L of the 1999-2000 Protege, as the replacement FS series 2.0L of the 2001-2003 Proteges, has its history dating back to the first FWD Mazda 626, which came out in 1983 and saw use in the 626 and subsequent MX-6 and Ford Probe in 2.0L and 2.2L forms, both naturally aspirated and turbo applications. The block is cast iron.

2) Is there a recommended mileage at which to replace the engine head gasket?

No, there isn't, as this isn't a maintenance part. You only need change it if a) you blow it, or b) you remove the head.

3) I've heard the engine is a non-interference design, meaning the pistons are molded such that the valves can never come into contact them with them. Does that mean if a timing belt snaps, it will NOT damage the engine head? (Has anyone had that happen?)

Mazda hasn't made an interference engine in a long time. Unlike Honda and others, if you do happen to loose the timing belt, all you'll do is coast to a standstill with a dead engine. Replace the belt, align all of the TDC marks, and fire it back up.

Why you would wait so long as to break a belt, I don't know...as they're supposed to be changed every 60,000 miles / 96,000km (California law notwithstanding).

 

[rtfm17]

> Why you would wait so long as to break a belt, I don't know...as they're supposed to be changed every 60,000 miles / 96,000km (California law notwithstanding).

It's Mr. Murphy (as in "Murphy's Law") & the little unexpected surprises between 60k changes that concern me, which is what prompts me to ask what happens if it does snap/slip. That's why it is good to know that it doesn't cause any head damage ;-)

Thanks for the info

 

[B.L. Zebop]

Being as in California, state law dictates that all components of an engine must last 100,000 miles, the same timing belt goes 100,000 miles / 160,000 km between changes (if you're that crazy). So, assuming that you live by the same change interval as the rest of north america and don't defy the laws of physics, the 60,000 miles / 96,000 km interval is fine with no worries.

 

[UBlink]

So does this mean that the engine in my 2003 P5 is essentially the same as the one in my 1987 626GT (minus the turbo)?

 

[B.L. Zebop]

Same block...different everything else (head & pistons minimum, probably crank and rods too).