Can't believe I can't get a definitive answer from Mazda.com, the internet or anyone else it seems as to whether the 2.0L 16v DOHC engine in my 2003 LX Protege is a non interference engine or a interference engine. Mazda.com blew me off to call a local dealership which I did and the parts guy who answered had no idea what I was talking about. After asking one of his dealership mechanics he replied he thinks it is a non interference engine. "thinks"? Can I get a reply from one of you fellas who knows for sure as this is getting ridiculous. My mechanic is right, a lot of people working in the auto industry now don't know squat and don't give a rats butt either. A real customer service rep would have found out and not referred me to a dealership.Thanks.

 

Hi just wondering what the issue is besides that ? I have a 2000 protege with a 1.8 L in it and I blew a timing belt a few yrs ago. I had the same question and mine is a non interference engine. How you can tell is if the valves share the same chamber as the pistions then thats a interference and a non they dont. I put a belt back into mine and away I went hopefully this helps good luck...........

 

Hi Blader, It's just funny but it should be a matter of fact in a Mazda publication somewhere. I have a nice running 2003 5-Spd 2.0L Protege that's has cracks in the timing belt and my mechanic is taking his sweet time scheduling me in to replace it and just wanted to know the answer to a simple question without having to go thru Congress. Trials and tribulations of a info filled world going to hell in a handbag.