I am going to change the timing belt on my wifes '03 Protege. When you guys do this do you change the tensioner as well? I figured why not, just change it. but sometimes I think I buy new parts just to have something to do. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Anybody?

 

Have not seen a lot of problems with tensioner failures on the Protege so far but replacing the tensioners along with the belt is always a good idea, especially if you have waited untill the 105k mile replace interval. Do you have the 2.0l engine or the 1.6? There may a Value Line kit available from Mazda that has the belt, tensioner bearing, and idler bearing, along with a small instruction sheet all included in one kit.

 

Im am only at 62,000 miles. Its the 2.0 motor. Do you know if the valves clear the pistons on these motors? (i.e. if the belt breaks)
This may be a stupid question, what are the differences between the 2.0L motor we have and the Mazda speed motor?

 

If you are going for the replacement at only 60k then the tensioners would probably not be really needed. Would def consider at the second replace though at 120k. Mazda has raised the recommended interval to 105k on your engine so you should be pretty comfortable waiting untill at least 100,000 mile mark. If you do want to replace the belts and tensioners now then the Value Line kit would be worth the while. Mazda part #FSY0-12-207-MV with MSRP of $217.85.
The engine is a clearance engine so if the belt breaks there will not be any valve overlap andor engine damage. Throw on a new belt and away you go.
Difference in 2.0 motor between yours and Speed. Non that I know of other than the FS-T engine has a different upper oil pan block to allow the turbo oil return tube to to attached.