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Long ago I had a guy who sold me a rebuilt engine tell me that sometimes those who had destroyed an engine of his by never changing oil would then pour in clean new oil before making a warranty claim. (not implying that this is the case here, just wondering about the "clean engine" statement)
I have a 2003 Mazda6s manual transmission, with 80,000 miles on it.
Basically, I started to hear an engine rattling sound. Not long after (~1 week), the check engine light turns on. The rattling sound eventually becomes more noticeable, at which point I realize I need to get it checked out. However, I'm busy during the week, so I schedule a weekend appointment. Eventually, the rattling sounds are accompanied by the "low oil" light and white smoke from tailpipe. At this point, I knew I was in trouble. As I'm driving home, the car basically turns off (to overheating) and I get it towed to dealer. It's currently drivable, but the engine needs to be replaced, according to the local Mazda dealer. They said I was low on oil, and the engine was damaged. Additionally, it appears coolant was leaking into the engine, causing the white smoke from tailpipe.
At this point, I'm kind of shocked, because my car only has 80,000 miles on it, and it's an 03. I got it brand new. I never imagined getting an engine replacement THIS early.
As of now, I'm contemplating getting a used engine. However, I have a couple of questions:
(1) Anyone know of any good places to buy one? I live in PA. Should I just go through the dealer to buy a used engine? Or, is it better to look myself?
(2) If I buy a used engine, could this used Mazda6 engine eventually develop the same problem as my current one? If so, what could I do to prevent this from happening again?
Thanks!
Mazda has a clear problem here with the Mazda 6 and the CX 7. and is doing nothing to help. Look back to the former Mazda Service Manager on this thread.
I'd look around and see what you can do yourself. Having 80K miles allows you to do pretty much anything you want without voiding any factory warranty. The more reputable engine builders will offer a warranty.
(2) If I buy a used engine, could this used Mazda6 engine eventually develop the same problem as my current one? If so, what could I do to prevent this from happening again?
Anything is possible. Having said that, the best way to keep an eye on the engine is to check the oil once per week (I do it with both my vehicles every Saturday morning, whether it's brand-new or 10 years old, its still good practice).
It sounds like the PCV valve failed and you slowly lost oil until the rattling started. Unfortunately, when the oil light goes on, it's usually too late, since the light goes on when the oil pump has problems. The PCV valve has been known to fail, especially on 3.0L V6 engines. When I started losing oil (a half-quart or more per week) on my '04 6S, I replaced the valve and the oil loss ceased.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Try Jasper Engines. They are rebuilt and have a pretty good warranty on them. They are reputable.
http://www.jasperengines.com/index.php
If your blown engine lost any oil, it probably ended up in the front cats, which will also need to be replaced, and you might as well do the clutch while you are at it.
Mazda customer service is absolutely the worst, hands down.
I'm leaning towards buying a new engine. Do you think I could potentially have the same issues with a new Mazda6 engine?
Also, how did you notice oil was leaking? I had no idea until it was too late (didn't see any oil dripping on the ground).
The Jasper engines seem kind of expensive and appear to be similarly priced to the new engine that Mazda can install.
So, how is your Powertrain engine running? It looks like for remanufactured engines, they have 4-year, unlimited mile warranty.
Do you think getting a remanufactured engine is a safe choice?
I preferred the idea of a remanufactured engine over a used one, given the labor involved.
Also, Mazda is charging $1700 for installation. If I decide to get the engine from Powertrain, do you recommend I go to Mazda to install it because they know the engine well, or would it be better to go to a different mechanic who would probably charge less?
The service manager at the local Mazda dealer is the one who told me the "new" $6500 engine was remanufactured.
Maybe we can get an investigative reporter on the news to force Mazda to do something. This car will cost me almost $3000 to repair - needs a new engine and clutch now. No warning lights, I've checked and changed oil religiously.
How about the Better Business Bureau? Consumer protection agency of some kind ?
Also, was the PCV valve checked for blockage?
Any info is most helpful to understand what cause the "no oil".
2004 Mazda 6s (6 cyl.), well maintined, blown engine at 81k. Had been using Mobil1 and changing oil at less than the 7500 mile recommended interval. Mazda put on a charade of "reviewing" my situation, not even an offer of discounted work.
Ended up going to an independent mechanic, for around $6300 replaced engine with a new remanufactured one (4 yr warranty parts and labor), clutch , starter, 2 front cats.
There is no way a transmission should blow in 4 years -- or ever, in this way. My mechanic assures me there is no way I could have caused the damage.
When it was in warranty, in 2008, it lost all the engine oil. Mazda claimed it was my fault -- despite having the car at the dealer for a recall the previous day. At that time, they did their vaunted check, and the oil was checked off as OK. I went up to the area rep level, and they did nothing. Claimed my records of oil changes were not valid, or insufficient, or whatever.
My previous Mazda, a 626, had an engine light on, which prevented passing inspection. Nobody could find the problem -- Mazda installed a new part, charged me a couple of hundred for it, and the engine light came on again on the way home. I made a U-turn and demanded that they remove the new, expensive part, put the old one back, and refund my charges. The problem was never resolved, the car never passed inspection (though it was running well), and that's when I traded it in for the Mazda 6.
I wouldn't trust another Mazda -- the vehicle or the company -- if my life depended on it.
Mazda has not stood behind their product or their customers. These apparent defects should go to the press -- at least Toyota makes good on its mistakes.
what possessed me), the tip of the stick was barely covered! Put in 1.5qts, got the level 1/4" above the min mark.I get changes at the dealer every 5K like clockwork, next one in a couple of weeks. Engine runs fine, exhaust look fine, just wondering if others are seeing any oil consumption like this.
Also, while most people no longer check their oil levels between oil changes, one should really get into the habit of checking oil at gas refills,
Thank You
Until now I've loved this little car, but now.....not so much.
I contacted the president of Mazda USA via certified mail, and he baiscally had a customer service rep reply to me with a F___ You letter.
New engine, new precats, big bucks.
Ironically, my MPG has increased from the 19 I always got to 22 with the new engine. I'm guessing things were NEVER right with the original one.
If anyone's starting a suit, count me in.
You designed a car whose best characteristic is that it corners like it's mad at the road, then hung an engine in it that's known to starve for oil on hard maneuvers, and if that doesn't put it out of commission it self-destructs when a single $10 plastic air valve fails -- what were you thinking!?!?
Really? Got any proof of this? Considering I put 92K HARD miles on my '04 6 w/V6 (which includes auto-X, which has plenty of "hard maneuvers") and haven't had a SINGLE oil-related issue. Well, any issue at all for that matter, except for a faulty gas cap...
tmac1mc@yahoo.com
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Mazda sucks! I've owned 7 Mazdas and never again after the way they treated me over this "in warranty" issue. Shame on Mazda. Avoid, avoid avoid Mazda everyone.
In fact, you only need to look back only a few posts by one of the Hosts:
I'm sorry, but while you're welcome to share your woes and any solutions you may find, our Membership Agreement prohibits using the Forums to organize lawsuits.