Inspecting timing belt from valve cover?

[jat255]

Hey guys,

I got my '02 2.0L at 111k miles (now at 161k) and I'm planning on replacing my valve cover gasket this weekend. I'm not sure when/if the previous owner replaced the timing belt before I purchased it, so I may have substantial life left, or may be on some seriously borrowed time! I'm wondering if I will be able to tell if the belt needs to be replaced while the valve cover is off, and if so, what I should be looking for that would tell me its condition. I suppose any fraying/cracking would be bad, but I was curious if there's anything specific I should be on the lookout for.

Thanks!
- Josh

 

[BRIAN_MP5T]

It may be easily evident.

If there is still writing on the backside of the belt it is new.

The worn belt will have very small surface cracks in it.

When you replace the valve cover gasket, remember to place some Grey Permitex gasket on both sides of each Passenger side Cam Caps to seal the 90 Degree bend that makes a void in the seal.

 

[jat255]

Thanks for the quick response.

Will the cracks be evident on the back of the belt, or will I have to try to look underneath at the teeth? Also, will I be able to move the belt to examine the whole thing, or will I only be able to look at the top part that's visible?

I was planning on following this how-to: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123778621-HOW-TO-Replace-Valve-Cover-Gasket
I purchased some Permitex Ultra Black (it was cheaper for a small amount than the Grey). Will that be okay, or should I get the Grey?

 

[BRIAN_MP5T]

Cracks are almost impossible to see on the toothed side

Black will work as well

You can rotate the engine (Crank) with a 19mm Socket attached to a power bar or large ratchet.

Turn it only clockwise.

It will turn more freely with the plugs removed

 

[jat255]

Thanks. Is the crank accessible down the side of the timing belt? Sorry I'm quite new when it comes to this maintenance stuff, but I'm trying to learn.

 

[BRIAN_MP5T]

Yes

 

[jat255]

Sorry, but I'm having some trouble matching that up with what mine looks like. Isn't the timing belt behind a cover? Would I need to take that off to hand crank the engine?

 

[BRIAN_MP5T]

I do not have a cover, the pulley is accessible for the 19mm nut even with the cover on.

you will only be able to see the timing belt with the valve cover off, and only the upper part of the timing system.

 

[jat255]

So would I be looking for the nut to turn in one of the two spots highlighted by the arrows? Or is there somewhere else I should be looking?

 

[Preferio]

You can rotate the engine (Crank) with a 19mm Socket attached to a power bar or large ratchet.

21mm...

 

[BRIAN_MP5T]

So would I be looking for the nut to turn in one of the two spots highlighted by the arrows? Or is there somewhere else I should be looking?

No, On the Crank Pulley. (Closer to the Road)

The picture that I posted YESTERDAY

 

[jat255]

Ok, thanks. Is that accessible from the top, or would I have to turn it under the car?

 

[big Lou]

So would I be looking for the nut to turn in one of the two spots highlighted by the arrows? Or is there somewhere else I should be looking?

Is this your engine? If so the timing belt looks worn! The powersteering belt looks brand new.

 

[jat255]

No, this is an image taken from the How-to that I posted a link to above. I was just using it for reference. I'll post some pics of mine when I get the valve cover off this weekend.

 

[BRIAN_MP5T]

Ok, thanks. Is that accessible from the top, or would I have to turn it under the car?

Below, easy if the FR tire is off.

 

[jat255]

Thanks for all the help. I ended up not cranking it, since my buddy didn't bring his ramps over, but it looks like it probably needs replacement from just inspecting the top portion of it. I could also see that half of one of the teeth was missing. That sounds like it's about due for a replacement, no?

 

[BRIAN_MP5T]

I agree, time for a change.

 

[vw.fe2o3]

I know I'm late with this, but a little inspection mirror is useful on these cars to see the teeth on these belts. View between the cams, rotate a little, view, etc.