1990 Mazda Miata timing belt "re-installation"

TGR4Y8

MEMBER
1990 MAZDA MIATA
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
14,000 MILES

Car was stalliing at start-up, took it to mazda for repair. After misdiagnosing the problem as a bum crank angle sensor, they determine it is timing. The language used on invoice is "Engine would not start R & R front of engine and reset crank timing." Please advise at to what may be s possible estimate cost for this repair.

(I had a new timing belt put on a year before)

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi tgr4y8,

Tnak you for the donation.

For replacement of the crank sensor, it would only take 0.7 hours.

For replacement of timing belt, it is listed at 3.0 hours. If there is a problem with timing belt out of sync, the reinstallation should take much shorter than the 3.0 hours stated.

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Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 11:30 AM

TGR4Y8

MEMBER
2 POSTS

What sort of cost estimate would I be liking it for either of those options?

As mentioned, my miata went in to the mechanic for the stalling problem and was misdiagnosed as a bum crank angle sensor - which the shop replaced and repaired. I paid for this work, but the car only got worse so they then determined it was the above "r & r. " Mentioned repair which needed to be complete.

This they did and my car now drives. The shop is willing to reimburse me a bit for the difference in job cost but has asked me to find out an estimate for the work so they can compare it to what they would charge.

Can you please advise as to how much the 2 choices you have presented may cost?

Thank you for all the help.

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Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 12:21 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Ok, so the crank angle sensor work is 0.7 hours which was the initial job performed which did not solve the problem. If they had charged you for that, then it should be the part that should be reimbursed, including the sensor.

Removal and installation of the timing belt is 3.0 hours and they are entitled to charge you for that.

We can only go by hours as labor charge rates differs over regions. Get your local labor rate to multiply by the stated hour to get the charges.

Seems you have a good mechanic who is honest and willing to accept responsibility. Some give and take should be applicable and my advise is to stick with him for his honesty.

I would not fault him for the misdiagnosis as the symptoms are similar in both cases.

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Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 10:40 PM