1999 Mazda Protege engine cuts out

Tiny
DAVID COSSEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 MAZDA PROTEGE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 116,000 MILES
I replaced the timing belt on a 1999 mazda protege 1.6 engine and after that when ever I get on it heavy and reach about 4000 rpm the engine cuts out and then cuts back in as the rpms drop. The only thing I'm not sure about is on the crankshaft there is a sprocket and a sensor that senses the teeth on this sprocket. This sprocket can be mounted on the crankshat in any of four positions on four mounting bolts. I do not know if I got this sprocket on in the right position. The sprocket is designed with one tooth missing. The car runs real smooth and everything is perfect except when I accelerate up to about 4000 rpms. What could be the problem?
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 AT 5:45 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Could be the PCM is thinking the crank is out of time due to the pulley being on wrong. Did you install it with the gap on the sensor with the engine timed?
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
DAVID COSSEY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi 2CarPro Jack, I did not install pulley with the gap on the sensor with the engine timed. I will try that. I assume when you say with the engine timed you mean with number one cylinder on tdc compression stroke am I right? Thank you for your help.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Yes, as if you just timed it for the timing belt
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
DAVID COSSEY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Jack,
Thank you! I will do as you suggest.
Dave Cossey
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 12:18 PM

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