2012 Mazda5: Roomy, but lacking tech options
Although a fairly typical cramped people carrier for the rest of the world, the Mazda5 is an odd fit in the U.S. Here, our minivans are the size of buses, with lots of room for the kids to play, camping gear, and robust rear-seat entertainment systems with wide screens and HD capability.
But the Mazda5 represents a choice not offered by other automakers, a city-sized vehicle with a small engine and room for six. And fitting its non-U.S. character, it can also be had with a manual transmission.
Tech-free people mover In its base Sport trim, such as the one sent to CNET, the Mazda5 is mostly techless. Mazda's only bow to the 21st century with this car is satellite radio and an auxiliary input for the stereo. Bluetooth phone systems and streaming audio are only available in the higher Touring and Grand Touring trims. Navigation is not an option in any trim. In our Sport model, it almost came as a surprise that the stereo could read MP3 CDs.
Despite those limitations, Mazda fits the steering wheel with switches for stereo and cruise control. A display at the top edge of the dashboard shows audio information, with a button that lets you choose artist and channel display for satellite radio. But in line with other implementations of satellite radio we've seen in Mazda vehicles, the reception cuts out easily, probably due to an inferior antenna.
Middle-row passengers in the Mazda5 will be treated to small captain's seats, individual softly cushioned chairs with integrated armrests. The third row is a narrow bench, and more of a challenge to access. This seat is best for the narrow of hip and limited of girth, at least if you want to fit two back there.
That third row folds down easily in a 50/50 split, showing off the utility of this small minivan. With a flat rear cargo floor, the Mazda5 offers plenty of room for four people with luggage. It could be the perfect car for a golf foursome.
Manual in a minivan Mazda bumped up the engine size for the 2012 model year, going from 2.3 liters to 2.5 liters. But this four-cylinder is no miracle of efficiency. It uses variable valve timing, but only squeaks out 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Throwing 1,000 pounds of human meat in the seats will likely have a performance impact. Fuel economy comes in at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, under EPA testing.
We enjoyed the novel experience of using a six-speed manual transmission in a minivan. The gate has a pretty lackluster feeling, but nothing makes a drive more interesting than winding up the engine to 6,000rpm. That doesn't mean the Mazda5 would exactly rocket forward. Any inappropriate behavior with the gas pedal led to front tire slip and a leisurely crawl forward.
Timing On Small Engines - News
But the Mazda5 represents a choice not offered by other automakers, a city-sized vehicle with a small engine and room for six. And fitting its non-US character, it can also be had with a manual transmission. In its base Sport trim, such as the one sent
RICHMOND -- As Billy Gore's twin-engine model plane shot skyward, a bee with terrible timing landed on his elbow. But Gore didn't dare break eye contact with his soaring Hobbico TwinStar Swat it off, he mumbled to a friend.
His car however, is in the H-fuel-lacester, small engine class. The current record for Harmon's class is 228 mph. “Mathematically, we should be able to beat it,” he said. “According to the gear ratio, tire size, RPM — but then the aerodynamics and
The Accent's single engine — a new 1.6-liter, double overhead cam, gasoline direct-injection four cylinder with variable valve timing — provides 25 percent more power than last year's Accent and is surprising for being in a small, mainstream car.
-A new-generation, 2.2-litre, diesel four-cylinder that will have the lowest compression offered in a small-displacement diesel, with a two-stage turbocharger and variable valve timing, with the lowest fuel economy put forward by Mazda.
Timing Belt | Sullivan's Tire Pros
Ever heard the sad tale of a staggering repair bill from a broken timing belt? Bad news. Let's take a lesson from their woes and remember to think about our timing belt.
First, let's review what a timing belt does. The top part of the engine, over the cylinders is called the cylinder head. The head contains the valves. There's at least one valve that lets the fresh air into the cylinder. This air, mixed with fuel, burns to create power. Then another valve or two open to allow the exhaust out of the engine. Each cylinder has 2 to 4 valves - that's 12 to 24 valves for a V-6, up to 32 values on a V-8. The opening and closing of the valves is done by a camshaft. The timing belt uses the rotation of the engine to drive the camshaft which opens and close the valves. It's called a timing belt because it has to be adjusted to rotate the camshaft to keep proper time with the engine so that everything's in sync.
The timing belt is a toothed rubber belt . But some cars use a timing chain or timing gears instead of a belt. Timing chains and gears are much more durable, but manufacturers are using belts more because they are quieter - and cheaper. If you have a small or mid-sized passenger car, crossover or mini-van, chances are you have a timing belt.
Unfortunately, timing belts fail without any warning. That shuts you down right away. A technician can inspect your timing belt and look for cracks and looseness. But getting to the belt to take a look can be almost as much work as changing it on some cars. That's why manufacturers recommend replacing the belt from time to time. For most vehicles it's from 60,000 to 90,000 miles or 95,000 to a 145,000 kilometers. If your owners' manual doesn't specify an interval ask your service advisor.
One AutoNetTV producer has had two timing belts fail. The first was while he was waiting at a stop light - that repair cost several thousand dollars. The second was while driving on the highway - that one cost more than twice as much. Both had the cars out in the shop for three weeks. His cars had what we call "interference engines", meaning that the valves and pistons are very close to each other. If the timing belt slips even one notch, the pistons will slam into the open valves. That's why our friend's highway failure was so much more expensive - his engine was traveling so fast that the valves were smashed and they chewed up the cylinder head.
A non-interference engine will just shut down if the timing belt breaks. You're stranded, but the engine doesn't suffer permanent damage. In both cases, our hapless friend was just a couple oil changes past the recommended interval for changing the timing belt. This is one of those things that you just cannot put off. Now replacing a timing belt is not cheap - but repairs for a broken belt can be many times as much.
Timing On Small Engines - Bookshelf
Small gas engines
The three major steps in timing a small engine are as follows: adjust the piston height BTDC, rotate the stator plate until the points open, set the breaker ...Popular Mechanics
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Note that timing is set at 19 degrees on engines running at 2400 rpm and ... After timing at 1400-1600 rpm is set, slow the engine to less than 800 rpm and ...Techone Automotive Engine Repair
The timing belt may also drive other components. On older engines they ... or gear system that can affect valve timing in small steps by as much as 60°. ...Popular Mechanics
Your engine must breathe. Make sure nothing stops that. 4. Is the carburetor set too lean? 5. Is ignition timing off? Timing of small engines is not ...Daily Data Directory
Ignition Solutions for Small Engines and Garden Pulling Tractors
Setting the [point] ignition timing on virtually any small gas engine. ... Setting the [Point] Ignition Timing on Virtually Any Small Gas Engine - Top of page ...
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Honda Small Engine Ignition Timing
Ignition Timing for Honda small engines used on a variety of outdoor power equipment applications.
Tools for a Time, Buy Small Engines
Tools for a Time is your up-front, can-do professional power equipment sales and rental company. ... Small Engines. Tools For A Time provides the best equipment for every project. ...
Sheared Flywheel Keys on Small Gas Engines, causes and repair
Sheared Flywheel Keys on small gas engines, causes and repair, with photos ... The ignition timing will now be out of synch with the piston and the engine will misfire ...