can anyone tell me how to set the timing on the 04 Mazda 3 2.3L

2004 MAZDA 3
Avatar
JOSEPHDMORRIS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
doing head gasket job and cant figure out how the spinning crank timing gear lines up, let alone the 2 cam gears. there are no marks anywhere near this setup. i can't find pictures or any info on how to set the timing. please help!
Dec 3, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 20,761 POSTS
You may want to back up a step here. You have dove into something that you may not be prepared for. There are special tools required that lock down the cams and crank in the proper position. This is a VCT engine and the timing actuator has to be centered during timing and if this is not done correctly, you will be taking it apart again and again. I suggest you pick up a service manual or subscription to Alldata to follow the step by step instructions so you get it right the first time.
Dec 3, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Avatar
RAFYMEDINA7
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hey...
Actually the special tool (SST) for locking the cams is very simple to make.
I made one in just under 30 minutes (never made one before for mazda) and it worked out perfect.
I will try to take pictures and post them (first I need to learn how to do this)...
I just took some material from an old steel bed frame I had and started measuring and cutting.. I tell you it`s no big deal..
Dec 20, 2011 at 5:11 AM
Advertisement