Hello,
I have a major problem with my 2001 Mazda Bongo Friendee 2l.
I was driving to work at about 80kmph and the engine all of a sudden cut out. The 'hold' light was flashing and the rev counter went to 0.
I put the car in neutral and let the car come to a stop before trying to start it again. No luck.
I got a tow to the nearest garage (happened to be a mazda dealership....) and they had a look at it for me.
Turns out that the cam belt had a rip in it. (after only 15000 Km!!!)
They replaced it to see if that could be a relatively easy fix. Again, no luck.
still not sure what the exact damage is but the engine didnt start and the engine holds no compression after testing that.
I am based in Holland which adds to the drama it seems.
Not really sure what to do next.
can anyone advise on replacing the engine or other solutions?
thanks in advance (:
Please Help. Blown engine
Moderators: Doone, westonwarrior
Re: Please Help. Blown engine
Sorry to hear of your bad luck.
I'm not certain if the 2 ltr petrol is an 'Interferance Engine' like the diesel. I'm guessing that as you don't mention an awful noise as the engine stopped the pistons and valves have not made contact, so things may not be so bad.
I'm also guessing no awful noises as they turn the engine over for the compression test, so possibly the new belt has been incorrectly fitted and valves are open as the pistons comes up to TDC.
As the Bongos were never sold outside Japan Mazda dealers aren't always the best people to work on them.
You say low mileage since the belt was fitted but they should also be changed with age, could this be the cause?
Someone else will have ideas soon.

I'm not certain if the 2 ltr petrol is an 'Interferance Engine' like the diesel. I'm guessing that as you don't mention an awful noise as the engine stopped the pistons and valves have not made contact, so things may not be so bad.
I'm also guessing no awful noises as they turn the engine over for the compression test, so possibly the new belt has been incorrectly fitted and valves are open as the pistons comes up to TDC.
As the Bongos were never sold outside Japan Mazda dealers aren't always the best people to work on them.
You say low mileage since the belt was fitted but they should also be changed with age, could this be the cause?
Someone else will have ideas soon.

- mikeonb4c
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Re: Please Help. Blown engine
I seem to recall a recent incident with a broken cambelt on a 2l engine and no damage was done - i think the inference was tbat it was a non-interference engine, so there may be room for cautious optimism. Have a search of recent threads to see if you can find the story. Good luck and keep us posted.
Re: Please Help. Blown engine
Good find, Mike.
It does seem that the belt may be missaligned.
It does seem that the belt may be missaligned.

Re: Please Help. Blown engine
Personally I would ask the mechanic to check the gear timing ( cam shaft in relation to crank shaft) and also have a Good look at the Cam shaft itself.
This is a very basic engine for any mechanic to work on, it is actually fitted to some (Yale) forklift trucks.
Good Luck.
This is a very basic engine for any mechanic to work on, it is actually fitted to some (Yale) forklift trucks.
Good Luck.
Re: Please Help. Blown engine
Yes I would have a very close look at the valve gear ,pulleys shaft etc.
"Turns out that the cam belt had a rip in it. (after only 15000 Km!!!)
This is usually a wee clue to drive/driven components fault.
"Turns out that the cam belt had a rip in it. (after only 15000 Km!!!)
This is usually a wee clue to drive/driven components fault.
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Re: Please Help. Blown engine
Hi,
I don't know much about the 2.0 motor, but if it was an engine I was familiar with I would look to see if all the oily bits that should be rotating such as the camshaft and distributor are doing so. I seem to remember that there was a case of a snapped camshaft reported some time ago, but as I have an oil burner I didn't take much notice. Good luck!
Peter
I don't know much about the 2.0 motor, but if it was an engine I was familiar with I would look to see if all the oily bits that should be rotating such as the camshaft and distributor are doing so. I seem to remember that there was a case of a snapped camshaft reported some time ago, but as I have an oil burner I didn't take much notice. Good luck!
Peter