- Disconnect the negative terminal from your car's battery with a wrench or socket set.
2. Remove fan shroud
- Unbolt and remove the fan shroud.
3. Remove serpentine belt
- Use the appropriate wrench or socket set to remove the serpentine belt by loosening and removing the tensioner bolt or moving an idler pulley.
4. Remove crankshaft pulley bolt and pulley
- Use a breaker bar or powerful wrench to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt and pulley from the engine's crankshaft.
_Never turn or work on the engine with sparkplugs removed; engine damage may occur.
5. Remove timing belt cover and upper components
- Locate and remove the timing belt cover and any upper components obstructing access to the timing belt.
6. Align crankshaft and camshaft marks
- Consult the vehicle-specific manual or online resource to properly align the crankshaft and camshaft marks according to the engine's specifications. Rotate the crankshaft until all reference marks are properly aligned.
7. Remove old timing belt
- Carefully remove the old and worn-out timing belt by rotating or guiding it away from the engine's gears.
8. Install the new timing belt
- Take note of the direction indicated on the timing belt and gently place the new belt onto the engine's gears while maintaining proper tension. Ensure the belt is aligned with all reference markings.
9. Adjust timing belt tension
- Refer to the vehicle-specific repair manual for the correct timing belt tension specifications and guidelines. Use an appropriate tensioner tool or perform manual adjustments to achieve the desired belt tension.
10. Re-check timing belt alignment
- Double-check that all reference markings on the crankshaft and camshaft gears align correctly after you have adjusted the belt tension.
11. Install removed parts
- Reinstall the removed components, such as the timing belt cover, fan shroud, and serpentine belt, following the reverse order of removal.
12. Hand-crank engine
- Manually turn the engine crankshaft by hand a few complete rotations in the normal rotation direction. This helps confirm the proper engagement of the timing belt and ensures that no valves are hitting any pistons.
13. Start engine and check timing
- Reconnect the battery's negative terminal. Start the engine and inspect it for proper operation. Use proper tools, such as a timing light, to confirm the timing is set accurately according to the specifications.
Note: This general overview does not cover all potential variations and complexities of timing belt replacement for every vehicle. Always consult a reliable repair manual or professional guidance when performing this task on your specific 1994 Mazda B-2300 to ensure accuracy and safety.
