2000 mazda protege correct timing mark alignment

1. Remove all spark plugs so that the crank shaft could be rotated easily.
2. Rotate the crankshaft to align the timing mark of the crankshaft gear with the index mark on the engine cover.
3.Rotate the crankshaft +/- 30 degrees to ensure that the valve could not hit the pistons when aligning the camshaft gears.
4. Align the camshafts as described below.
5. Align the crankshaft timing gear with the index mark.
6. Loose and lock the timing bearing at its farther position. Install a timing belt starting from the crankshaft gear, then right cam, then left cam, and at last the timing bearing.
7. Press and hold the timing belt to keep it firm on the gears and loosen the timing bearing. It will get adjusted by itself with the help of spring attached to it. Do not put extra force on the bearing to adjust it more.
8. Confirm the timing marks.

I just did one in my shop. here is the marks

If it has the twin camshafts, then you need to align the bottom crankshaft pulley marking (there's only one marking at top dead centre). Then you'll need to align the two camshaft pulleys. You need to use the first two sets of markings and then double check the markings on the camshafts themselves, within the valve cover area. Always double check the crank shaft sensor is aligned properly on re-assembly as misalignment will result in a non-start and you might doubt your own work. Don't worry about timing belt failure or misalignment on the twin cam engine as this is a "safe-engine" and will not result in any damage.

i dont have a more detailed picture of setting the timing marks for the belt so i hope this helps

Here is a website that a free manual can be down loaded for your vehicle


http://ezinearticles.com/?Find-the-Free-Auto-Repair-Manual-You-Need-Online&id=92717

You have to align the timing marks on the timing gears. You should go to a parts store and purchase a haynes repair manual they cost about fifteen dollars and are very helpfull.

I assume you are replacing the timing belt, so just wactch the youtube video at the link 1999 03 Mazda Protege 1 8L 2 0L timing belt replacement pt 1

timing shift on engine with timing belt are usually caused by worn timing belt teeth and resetting it is usually done by changing the belt. on new car there is no more timing adjustment the computer does all the required change. it is a must that the white mark on the new belt are aligned with each of the gear mark.

If the timing marks were correctly aligned with the new belt installation then no further adjustments should be necessary, the pcm adjusts the timing.

http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528019f906



there are other diagrams on that page if this is not the right one.