Is the Mazda 2.5 L engine an interference engine?

Answer 1

I've been trying to answer the same question for my 2001 MPV. The short answer is, "who cares", because the 2.5L Mazda MPV engine uses dual timing chains instead of a single or dual timing belts. Interference is only a serious issue or concern on engines using timing belts. But because timing gears or timing chains don't break every 60,000 miles like a timing belt, interference is a non-issue on engines that don't use belts.

My research has been hampered by the fact that although Mazda manufactured a 2.5L V6 for many of it's vehicles of this era, like the 626 and the Millenia, the 2.5L V6 in the 2000 and 2001 (and maybe newer?) MPV was made by Ford, and is a completely different engine.

For more details about the Ford 2.5L, check out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Duratec_engine#Duratec_25

The Ford 2.5L "Duratec" engine was also used in the Ford Contour and the Mercury Mystique. I mention this because I cannot find a repair manual that applies to my 2001 Mazda MPV. But both Haynes and Chiltons have manuals for the Contour, and the engines are the same. So if you need a engine repair reference, check out the Ford manuals.

Sincerely,

A frustrated Mazda MPV owner!

Answer 2

Can someone simply answer the question with a yes or no?