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Thread: 1.2L in the USA Timing Belt or Chain????

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    1.2L in the USA Timing Belt or Chain????

    I have heard it both ways. In the USA do we have a timing belt or chain? I hope chain!!!
    So tired of cars with belts requiring a $700 service at 75K miles or so!

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    Admin edit ... More detailed thread here: Does the Mirage 1.2L engine have timing chain or belt-driven camshafts?



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    All Mirages have a timing chain.

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    Do a search here... someone posted a pic of the chain visible through the oil filler.

    Welcome to the forum! Have you got a Mirage yet, or just considering it?

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        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 63.2 mpg (US) ... 26.9 km/L ... 3.7 L/100 km ... 75.9 mpg (Imp)


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    Uber Mirage alex16's Avatar
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    Having a timing chain persuaded me more so in buying my mirage. I don't hate timing belts if the engine is non interference only.

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        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 44.8 mpg (US) ... 19.1 km/L ... 5.2 L/100 km ... 53.9 mpg (Imp)


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    Quote Originally Posted by alex16 View Post
    Having a timing chain persuaded me more so in buying my mirage. I don't hate timing belts if the engine is non interference only.
    Timing chains have their issues too. The guides/tensioners can wear. And It's easier to replace a timing belt, than a chain and guides. That said, A good timing chain design should last 300k+ miles, but the complexity of modern engines has impacted the lifespan of timing chains and guides. German makes are especially having issues with timing chains/guides failing before 120K miles.

    We have a relatively simple timing chain setup, but it is a very small chain. Doesn't look any larger than a bicycle chain. In comparison I've owned BMW's with timing chains that are as large as motorcycle drivechains.

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by alex16 View Post
    Having a timing chain persuaded me more so in buying my mirage. I don't hate timing belts if the engine is non interference only.
    Nice, I also prefer timing chain and non-interference engines. This further persuades my decision as well!

    Is the Mirage I3 1.2L/1.0L also a non-interference engine?

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    Uber Mirage alex16's Avatar
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    I posted a picture somewhere on here, the guides Appear to be serviceable without removing the chain, as they are on ford 4.6s. I've driven with worn out timing chain guides for loads of miles even a 1982 Toyota Corolla with over 350k that had almost more chain rattle noise than engine noise, some though will allow the chain to rub important parts of the chain is loose.

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        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 44.8 mpg (US) ... 19.1 km/L ... 5.2 L/100 km ... 53.9 mpg (Imp)


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    Quote Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
    Do a search here... someone posted a pic of the chain visible through the oil filler.

    Welcome to the forum! Have you got a Mirage yet, or just considering it?
    Thanks I found the pic. No I don't have one yet but I do believe this will be the car for me. Having a chain will persuade my decision. Yes a chain or guide may break but at least it does not need to be replaced every 75-100K. Service fees are outrageous!!

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    Senior Member strawboss's Avatar
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    One of the reasons for trading my fortwo in for the Mirage was the start of timing chain rattle....like alex16 says it will give lots of warning before failure....unlike belts, 2 cars I've owned in the past, (chevette & escort) have had belts snap with no warning, stranding me. The chevette was a "non interference" engine so was a less expensive repair than the escort which bent valves and needed a new cylinder head.....

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        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES Plus 1.2 automatic: 37.9 mpg (US) ... 16.1 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.6 mpg (Imp)


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    Senior Member bzacon's Avatar
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    This is good to know! can anyone confirm that the 1.2 is non-interference? either way, pretty happy with mine, just curious at this point. I feel lucky to never have owned a timing belt.


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    2004 Accord EX 5MT Graphite Pearl RIP

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