Timing belt replacement problems?

Engine Performance problem
1995 Mazda Protege Front Wheel Drive Automatic 202000 miles

How do I set timing marks for cam and crank to install timing belt

1.5

I have a 95 mazad protege, 1.5L, about a year ago my alternater belt broke and my dad tried to fix it, we took it to a place and they fixed it, now about twice a month, one of my belts break, alternater, fan, every belt but the timing belt, no one can seem to find the problem, should I junk the car, it is a nice car for the year and really low miles, but I can sell it if its alway braking, I have a new alternater to, and that dident fix the problem, any ideas?

I have a 1997 Mazda Protege LX, 4 cyl. 1.5L engine, about 151,000 miles. I am about to change the timing belt on it, and would like to know what all I need to get. I know I need the belt (of course), a water pump, and a tensioner and idler. Should I also get a camshaft seal or crankshaft seal or both? And what brands would you recommend, because I saw on DIY Auto that I could get a timing belt for under $30 dollars. Thanks a lot!

My 1997 Mazda Protege (4 Cylinder/1.5 Engine) has 120K miles on it, and it is about due for the timing belt to be replaced. My question is: What kind of damage would or could be done to the car if the timing belt fails BEFORE I have it replaced? One mechanic told me it would cause no damage (but it would be inconvenient because I would have to have the car towed). Another mechanic told me it would cause major damage to other areas. Which is correct? Can I wait until the timing belt fails before I replace it?

Should I replace the timing belt for that many miles looks like it has been replaced one time because water pump has been replaced that I can see because water pump mating surfaces has red permatex on it. And also how many miles can these engine go in a life time. And how do you change timing belt on 1.8 liter single overhead cam

Ok heres my prob, I my head gasket blew, I took it upon myself to change it with help of the infamous misleading Haynes Manual. After finishing up with the head, I replaced the timing belt. Now when I start the car there is a loud knocking noise, almost as if the valve and pistons are hitting. However timing marks are accurate and timing was set on the compression stroke, everything appears to be in good shape, I'm scared to start the car again. I've checked everything over and over again. Also when I took the head off I took it to a local shop to get it plained and valve seals replaced, etc. When I got the head back the exhaust camshaft was broken, I took it back to the shop and they replaced it with a new one and that is where the noise seems to be coming from, but I might be wrong. Could anyone help? Riding a bike hasnt been working out for me. Thanks in advance

It seems to work fine, and i've checked the compression, appears to be good. I've also taken the plugs out and I rotated the engine and no sound or interference.

I was afraid of that, but since there is no interference, would it be bad to just drive the car? I know im asking a dumb question. And also no possibility of a diff camshaft being installed?

Ha, I figured out what it was, those caps that sit on top of valves and are pushed down by the camshaft, not sure what they are called, anyway they are either hydraulic or have springs in them and they are worn out. However it was your sticky valve suggestion that gave me the idea to take the camshafts back off. Thanks a lot man!