Hey, you'll also be glad to know that both the KA24 engines (single or dual cam), the SR20DE, and the VQ series V6 motors are non interference engines. Even if that timing chain goes - you're not going to end up with massive damage.dugrant153 said:Timing belts are prone to breaking more than chains simply because... well, it's a chain
Chains were used in the Nissan KA24DE engine, and I believe they're still used in the VQ30 engine in the Maxima.
I love chain-driven systems. Chains are not bulletproof, but it's one less thing on your mind to replace and worry about. I constantly check the timing belt on my current car for fraying and slack. Not so with a chain.
dugrant153 said:strangely enough, (as I bump this thread), I was looking at my Mazda 3 brochure and they showed a picture of an engine that's supposedly the MZR.
Apparently there's a belt on the motor... is that the accessory belt ??... or... just a wrong pic?? Cuz it sure doesn't look like a chain.
Hmm... so where does that belt picture come in? unless it's a mistake?RonH said:dugrant153 said:strangely enough, (as I bump this thread), I was looking at my Mazda 3 brochure and they showed a picture of an engine that's supposedly the MZR.
Apparently there's a belt on the motor... is that the accessory belt ??... or... just a wrong pic?? Cuz it sure doesn't look like a chain.
The Mazda3 2.3L engine has a chain, so don't worry about it breaking.
Definitely don't wait for it to break....pain in the ass getting it towed, and you'll likely bend every valve in the head...around $2000 to get fixed. To be honest, I know very little about the Mitsu 3.0, so call a dealer parts dept and ask them if it's chain or belt....have your vin # ready, as I think there were two different V6s available for that car. If it's chain (I don't think it is) then forget about it! If it's a belt, you're WAY overdue...unless you like being stranded on the side of the road.zimmerDN said:How do you know if the engine is an interference engine or not. My girlfriend drives a 98 stealth and it's getting close to 96k. Time to change the belt right? OR can we wait until it breaks. I tried searching the web and nothing came up.