Help me out here guys. My wifes van has 61,000, should I change the belt? Will it bend the valves if I let it go? When should it be changed? Also, i've rebuilt motorcycle motors, can I do the job myself?? Thanks, Mike

It took me a little time to do some research, but here's what I think I now know:

Prior to some engine built during '99, the dual cams were belt driven. The part number for the belt was 12-205.

After that, the engines were converted to two cams per cyl bank. Each bank has a single chain driving two cams. The part number for the chain(s) is 12-201. The chain requires no periodic maintenance, and should last as long as the rest of the engine.

Just to make sure, carry your vin# to the Mazda dealer and see what part he shows.

yup.

1998 was the last timing belt on a mpv.

your van is chain driven and requires no maintence.

Thank you much! Just what I wanted to hear.