Timing belt or chain / fuel type required

[FishV8]

What is the required maintenance schedule for this car. And what does it have a belt or a chain as far as timing ? If it's a belt what is the mileage at which it needs servicing. And what type of fuel is recommended for this car ? (canada)

A look at the owner manual would be nice

 

[dugrant153]

Reading from other members, I believe it's a chain that drives the car, not a timing belt.
Fuel recommended? 87 Octane.

 

[wongpres]

On the Mazda3 (both engines), the chain doesn't need servicing for the life of the vehicle. In fact, the chain is just about irreplaceable - so if it breaks, you'll need a new engine (well, more like a new car, cause by the time the chain breaks, the car probably isn't worth it anymore).

 

[VPower]

chain? the 4 in the MZ6 have a chain (correct me if i'm wrong)

BUT in the MZ3, the 4 cyl. doesnt come with a chain...it have a belt...
I was surprise last friday when I saw it (going to get a 3 for the gf)

the rep told me it does come only with a belt, not a chain. WTF?! i'm all mess up!

 

[wongpres]

The 2.3l in both the Mazda6 and Mazda3 have chain-driven timing belts (the Mazda3 2.0l is also like this). There are various rubber accessory belts around the engine. In fact, if you just open the hood, I don't even think you can see the timing chain at all (it's all enclosed).

 

[VPower]

The 2.3l in both the Mazda6 and Mazda3 have chain-driven timing belts (the Mazda3 2.0l is also like this). There are various rubber accessory belts around the engine. In fact, if you just open the hood, I don't even think you can see the timing chain at all (it's all enclosed).

oh thanks for the info...i'm going to check that out (again!)

 

[r1ceburner]

I have to ask the question then: If the timing chain is irreplaceable, is this Mazda's way of selling those extended warranties? It seems like you would be hard pressed to replace it without getting a rebuilt engine....Thus the need for the extended warranty.

Then again, if you didn't have the warranty and at 70,000 miles the chain broke, you would have to replace the engine anyways because of the 2 or 3 valves that have crashed into the tops of pistons.

It will be intersting to see if these timing chains go the distance.

 

[RonH]

American and foreign cars (rear wheel drive) have used chains for 100 years or so. I've never heard of one breaking in my 45 years of driving. Now, if you overheat the engine and there's a lot of miles on the engine, they can stretch and have to be replaced, along with the sprokets. A chain should last way over 100,000 miles. A chain is much more reliable than a belt, but belts are quieter.

 

[FishV8]

American and foreign cars (rear wheel drive) have used chains for 100 years or so. I've never heard of one breaking in my 45 years of driving. Now, if you overheat the engine and there's a lot of miles on the engine, they can stretch and have to be replaced, along with the sprokets. A chain should last way over 100,000 miles. A chain is much more reliable than a belt, but belts are quieter.

I drive a 98 Camaro Z28 it's an LS1 engine pushing 370bhp stock rear wheel drive car and if you read more about them you would know that those have timing chains and are nearly indestructable. And like RonH said they stretch over time and then needs replacing but after a hell lots of miles or abuse. All in all I am very glad alot of auto makers are starting to go to timing chains since my Stealth required maintenance after 60,000 miles and was sent over twice because it was incorrectly done the first time and skipped two teeths. I feel more secure now since my new Z28 has a timing chain. And by the way my friend finally decided to buy the Mazda 3 but the GS 5spd and not the GT. Still glad he got it tho !!!

 

[PeteyBoy3K]

timing gears

I drive a 98 Camaro Z28 it's an LS1 engine pushing 370bhp stock rear wheel drive car and if you read more about them you would know that those have timing chains and are nearly indestructable. And like RonH said they stretch over time and then needs replacing but after a hell lots of miles or abuse. All in all I am very glad alot of auto makers are starting to go to timing chains since my Stealth required maintenance after 60,000 miles and was sent over twice because it was incorrectly done the first time and skipped two teeths. I feel more secure now since my new Z28 has a timing chain. And by the way my friend finally decided to buy the Mazda 3 but the GS 5spd and not the GT. Still glad he got it tho !!!

timing belts were also ways to get indestructable engines into the service shop every 60K... I don't know why more cars haven't gone with timing /gears/ (a la BMW). Perhaps they get heavy/expensive and don't allow for as much creative engineering...?

 

[r1ceburner]

American and foreign cars (rear wheel drive) have used chains for 100 years or so. I've never heard of one breaking in my 45 years of driving. Now, if you overheat the engine and there's a lot of miles on the engine, they can stretch and have to be replaced, along with the sprokets. A chain should last way over 100,000 miles. A chain is much more reliable than a belt, but belts are quieter.

My mom had a 1982 Chevy Caprice station wagon with a 305 V-8 and it broke a timing chaing at 73,000 miles.

You are right, thouhg that timing chains are more durable than belts. VW is going through that very issue with the 1.8L Turbos in the Beetle/Jetta/Golf. 60,000 miles and almost like clockwork you are in the shop...