Mazda Repair: 99 Mazda Miata, oil seepage, mazda miata

Question
QUESTION: I have 70,000km on this ten year old car that I have just aquired. Should I replace the tim ing belt now or will it last to 120,000km?

ANSWER: There are some tell tale signs an experienced Miata tech could look for to see if the area has been taken apart for servicing before.  Now if you are referring to Kilometers your good up to 98k Kilometers (or 60k miles), watch for and oil seepage or coolant loss.

service@miatashop.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am glad to know that my estimate of 120,000km is too much. my concern is also about the age of the belt; assuming it has never been changed from new it is now nearly eleven years old.

Answer
Time eventually effects the rubber components however, the timing belt is fiber reinforced and is not affected as much as the other rubber belts.  You can use the original drive belts as a rough gauge as to the age of the timing belt, if the drive belts are showing age cracks then you can assume the timing belt is coming along also.  No big rush unless you see coolant of oil seepage issues, then get in there without delay.  Normally the service occurs at the 60k miles which coincides roughly with 5-8 years of normal use.  When the time does come I would suggest changing the three forward oil seals, the water pump and both drive belts.  Changing hoses is a good practice for piece of mind also however, the Mazda factory hoses are still original on mny of our Miatas as old as 20 years now so they hold up well.  If you put on new ones keep the old ones and of course use Mazda if you want another 10 years use.

service@miatashop.com