Blown engine

[Gray]

75,000 km, blown engine. I bought the car, used in July (it was checked out during the purchase, but at a dealership not a private mechanic - live and learn). I recently noticed a tapping at 3,000 rpm, and took it in to Mazda to check it out. Sometimes the engine light would come on, and later go off. They said the noise was nothing to worry about. Normal. They gave it a clean bill of health. Two weeks later, my son drives the car 120 km, notices a change in the engine noise, and takes it to the local dealership. I'm now told it may have a blown engine.

So... advice on how and where to get a hold of an engine and have it put into the car? It's presently in Toronto.

[Fobio]

sorry to hear...what size engine? 2.0? 2.3?

[cwp_sedan]

Warranty? Unless it was neglect by you or the previous owner of course.

[Fuman]

If no warranty,
go to the junk yard with a mechanic, and o engine hunting

[Gray]

2.3 engine. Bought the car used two months ago. Tempted to flat bed the car back to a mechanic near Kitchener-Waterloo where I live. Don't happen to know a good mechanic, though. Dealership is telling me about $7,000 ballpark. About $4,000 for a used engine (1 year warranty) plus labour costs. What's the best way to handle this? Suggestions?

[Fuman]

2.3 engine. Bought the car used two months ago. Tempted to flat bed the car back to a mechanic near Kitchener-Waterloo where I live. Don't happen to know a good mechanic, though. Dealership is telling me about $7,000 ballpark. About $4,000 for a used engine (1 year warranty) plus labour costs. What's the best way to handle this? Suggestions?
Street Performance is a good shop (in toronto)
70,000KM should still have warranty

[JSI]

Stree
70,000KM should still have warranty

Is it 5 years/100,000Km. I guess it depends on the year??

[MajesticBlueNTO]

the dealership should work with Mazda Canada to have the engine replaced under the bumper to bumper warranty (good till 3 years/80,000kms) or the powertrain warranty (good till 5 years/100,000kms), unless it is an early 04. you can fight that warranty cover it since you did take it into the dealership to address the concern and they told you everything was fine.

your engine was probably low on oil as that is how most of these 2.3L's go

[dsichewski]

you can fight that warranty cover it since you did take it into the dealership to address the concern and they told you everything was fine.



+1

What did they say they checked? did they check for codes? since the check engine light was going on and off..did they do any tests ie compression test?, cut filter?, oil change? check spark plugs? valve set?

[b]

I blew mine too. What year is your car?

[TheMAN]

the dealership should work with Mazda Canada to have the engine replaced under the bumper to bumper warranty (good till 3 years/80,000kms) or the powertrain warranty (good till 5 years/100,000kms), unless it is an early 04. you can fight that warranty cover it since you did take it into the dealership to address the concern and they told you everything was fine.

your engine was probably low on oil as that is how most of these 2.3L's go
yeah I would hold the dealership responsible since they said there was nothing wrong when you HEARD it yourself!

[Gray]

Thank you. Very helpful. I think the comments are spot on.

The "tapping noise at higher rpm" is on the work order with the dealership. Somehow they found another $1300 worth of work to do, but nothing engine related other than changing the oil. They said the tapping was normal.

So, I'll ask them for a break on the repair cost and see where I get with that. Good idea.

The warranty angle needs complete repair records, which I don't have a clue on, as I just got the thing. But I'm trying to see if the past lease owners happened to have maintained the car at a dealership. Fat chance, or I wouldn't be in this mess. But you never know.

I have a good history with the Mazda dealership, when I owned a Protege 5. Maybe they'll want to keep a good customer.

Thanks. Bummer to have a 2005 go like this. But in some strange way, I'm feeling better to have an engine dropped into it that I know everything about. This car got hammered somewhere along the line. Who knows just how much damage some twit did to it.

[Gray]

I blew mine too. What year is your car? Sorry to hear that. Mine is a 2005, hatch.

[Fuman]

Thank you. Very helpful. I think the comments are spot on.

The "tapping noise at higher rpm" is on the work order with the dealership. Somehow they found another $1300 worth of work to do, but nothing engine related other than changing the oil. They said the tapping was normal.

So, I'll ask them for a break on the repair cost and see where I get with that. Good idea.

The warranty angle needs complete repair records, which I don't have a clue on, as I just got the thing. But I'm trying to see if the past lease owners happened to have maintained the car at a dealership. Fat chance, or I wouldn't be in this mess. But you never know.

I have a good history with the Mazda dealership, when I owned a Protege 5. Maybe they'll want to keep a good customer.

Thanks. Bummer to have a 2005 go like this. But in some strange way, I'm feeling better to have an engine dropped into it that I know everything about. This car got hammered somewhere along the line. Who knows just how much damage some twit did to it.
do you know where the car was serviced before you brought it? they should have records

[Hives]

Interesting. Hmm, I could think of the following:

1) Go to a junkyard and find a MZ3 thats been in an accident, and pluck the engine out with a mechanic (pay Jimmy to go with you!)

2) Get in touch with Joe @ MoT, and he may have some help for you.

[TheMAN]

Thank you. Very helpful. I think the comments are spot on.

The "tapping noise at higher rpm" is on the work order with the dealership. Somehow they found another $1300 worth of work to do, but nothing engine related other than changing the oil. They said the tapping was normal.

So, I'll ask them for a break on the repair cost and see where I get with that. Good idea.

The warranty angle needs complete repair records, which I don't have a clue on, as I just got the thing. But I'm trying to see if the past lease owners happened to have maintained the car at a dealership. Fat chance, or I wouldn't be in this mess. But you never know.

I have a good history with the Mazda dealership, when I owned a Protege 5. Maybe they'll want to keep a good customer.

Thanks. Bummer to have a 2005 go like this. But in some strange way, I'm feeling better to have an engine dropped into it that I know everything about. This car got hammered somewhere along the line. Who knows just how much damage some twit did to it.
no reason should they or mazda canada question you for service records... not only is that illegal, it is also bad customer relations for someone who just bought a mazda, even if its used!

case in point... there was a 07 3 that came in a few weeks ago with a blown engine... customer just bought the car and had an oil change a few weeks before that... he got the car used and obviously knows no history of that car.... car is still under warranty, so what did mazda do? just replaced the engine, no questions asked

[S.F.W.]

no reason should they or mazda canada question you for service records... not only is that illegal, it is also bad customer relations for someone who just bought a mazda, even if its used!

case in point... there was a 07 3 that came in a few weeks ago with a blown engine... customer just bought the car and had an oil change a few weeks before that... he got the car used and obviously knows no history of that car.... car is still under warranty, so what did mazda do? just replaced the engine, no questions asked

Are you out of your mind? Between this and your ongoing rants against HID's, I think you need to get your facts straight before you post.
Mazda shouldn't ask for Service Records? It's illegal? If that were the case, there would be no need for people to keep receipts for oil filters, etc, when they do their own oil changes. There would be no need to keep records of service done on your vehicle. In order for Mazda to honour warranty on an engine, they want to ensure the engine has been serviced regularly, and correctly.
Quoting directly from Mazda Canada's warranty site, under the section "Your Responsibilities"
"Maintenance Records
You should retain maintenance records since it may be necessary in some instances for you to show that the required maintenance has been performed. The “Scheduled Maintenance Record” in your Warranty Information Booklet should be filled in when scheduled maintenance is performed. Keep all receipts and make them available in case questions about maintenance arise."

[kevcol74]

^ You do realize TheMAN works for Mazda right? He is a Mazda mechanic....

[S.F.W.]

^ You do realize TheMAN works for Mazda right? He is a Mazda mechanic....

I do indeed. Just because he's a Mazda Mechanic doesn't mean he's correct.

[McGuyver_3]

^ You do realize TheMAN works for Mazda right? He is a Mazda mechanic....

doesnt matter where one person works but the dealer has every right to ask for records of a vehicle to make sure it will get covered or not under warranty. The dealer should be able to see in their computer if the vehicle has been serviced at any dealership at all as long as it has been worked on in Canada. Atleast at the dealer where i work we can see it on the computer.

[kevcol74]

Maybe the fact that a dealership gave it a clean bill of health puts that dealership on the hook.... I'm no expert, but I might listen to someone that works for Mazda,and has replaced engines under warranty... Its like telling me I didn't know how things work at Canadian Tire in the service department since I wasn't a mechanic or a serice writer... but alas, I knew how EVERYTHING worked warranty wise, as I was the one who processed them all. I was "back window", the link between the mechanics and all the parts they needed, and what service needed done.
Sure its different, but it goes to show you that the people you don't think know the rules, just may.

[S.F.W.]

Sure its different, but it goes to show you that the people you don't think know the rules, just may.
Normally, I would agree. But in this case, he is directly contradicting information posted by Mazda Canada in their warranty legal terms.
I'd be willing to wager, $100, that it is not illegal for Mazda Canada to ask for service records prior to replace an engine under warranty.

[kevcol74]

I'm not back to work yet, I'm not wagering $100!! lol
I'm curious about the result of this.... I'll be very impressed if Mazda does honour it! Hope the OP keeps us updated. Lets hope for the OP's sake, TheMAN is right!

[McGuyver_3]

No need t wager it is legal for the dealer to ask for the records

[Noisy Crow]

The dealer should be able to see in their computer if the vehicle has been serviced at any dealership at all as long as it has been worked on in Canada.

When I changed from Mississauga Mazda to Oakville Mazda, Oakville Mazda had to separately enter all my info into their computer.........

[McGuyver_3]

Yes they will have to reenter your vin and all that stuff but through mazda Canada they should be able to see all the work done to the car and at which dealer it was done at. That is how it works at our dealer. You cannot see every fine critical detail but it can be requested

[Noisy Crow]

Yes they will have to reenter your vin and all that stuff but through mazda Canada they should be able to see all the work done to the car and at which dealer it was done at. That is how it works at our dealer. You cannot see every fine critical detail but it can be requested

Thanks, good to know. Slightly off topic, but I would think that this would something useful to get access to before buying a used car.

[McGuyver_3]

Thanks, good to know. Slightly off topic, but I would think that this would something useful to get access to before buying a used car.

not sure for public use but i do know for dealership use we can get that information. Good example was we had a car come in with no history what so ever with us and there was evidence that something wasnt right turns out the warranty was voided because the car was a write off

[CARL GUSTAV]

I had a strange clicking noise coming from my engine and brought it in to a dealer. I also have 75,000 km. I left it there so they could check. Tripped the odo. Got a call from the receptionist. First thing she says to me is you need a new engine. I go in to talk to the guy. The noise is from the bottom of the engine, therefore it is toast. They did not drop the oil pan to look and the odo had 0.3k on it. This guy a Jedi? Car is under warranty. BUT. I am not the most organised guy in the world. And get my oil changed when it is needed where ever I am. He wants to see 9 oil changes which I have but not 9 recepts. Am I f%$ked?

[S.F.W.]

I had a strange clicking noise coming from my engine and brought it in to a dealer. I also have 75,000 km. I left it there so they could check. Tripped the odo. Got a call from the receptionist. First thing she says to me is you need a new engine. I go in to talk to the guy. The noise is from the bottom of the engine, therefore it is toast. They did not drop the oil pan to look and the odo had 0.3k on it. This guy a Jedi? Car is under warranty. BUT. I am not the most organised guy in the world. And get my oil changed when it is needed where ever I am. He wants to see 9 oil changes which I have but not 9 recepts. Am I f%$ked?

With no receipts for your oil changes..I think you are screwed. I would start trying to remember where you had your oil changes done. Maybe if you paid via debit card or credit card, you can check old statements. Then go and ask those places for copies of the invoice.

[TheMAN]

this is why you should always keep your receipts in the glovebox with the owner's manual... even if you suck at organizing in the house and stuff, your ass is covered with all your car related stuff IN the car!

[rage2021]

Just curious...how does an engine blow..I mean as a driver how can you blow the engine? Kind of scary. is there ways to prevent this/check for it?

[Mty Mous]

Oil Starvation caused by oil sludge build up in the oil galleys due to extremely poor oil change intervals, remember, the engine oil has 2 duties, lubrication and cooling!

Detonation - If you're not sure what you're doing and start modding the car extensively (I'm talking about going way beyond CAI and exhaust here), and the tune goes outta whack, you get the classic Ping, Ping, Boom!
Just be glad our cars don't have a rotary engine, cause it can take a bit more pinging before it goes boom.
This is why you should be glad we have companies like PSI and CPe around cause they can help you get a better tune for all the mod's you've done and keep everything within the safe zones instead of running too lean or rich.

Over Heating - Can be caused by poor oil\coolant circulation in the engine (yes, the oil does a lot to keep the engine cool, its not just the coolant's job).

These are just 3 reasons that popped in my head of how over time, the engine can die. This is why they say change your oil on time cause its like the blood running through your body. That and also other maintenance stuff like flushing your coolant and stuff on time, and also reading up and educating yourself about performance improving mods and what (if any) extra maint they may require to keep everything healthy.
Generally though, just doing the regular maint will go a LONG WAY in keeping your car running as it should.

Unless ofcouse something else fails ... like the waterpump prematurely bite's the bullet before you hit 100K kms, or the block\head was made with poor casting which is more of a manufactures defect, but could cause the engine to blow (depending on what kind of casting problem it has) that stuff is totally out of your control.

So if you have an Intake and exhaust like majority of the TM3 guys on here, I'd say just do your regular maint and keep the intake's filter clean as recommended and you should be fine.

Atleast that's my opinion on how to keep the engine from going BOOM!

[Noisy Crow]

Over-reving the engine will also damage it.... since the 3 had a rev limiter, you can't really over-rev the engine with the gas pedal, but you can over-rev it by shifting from, say, 5th to 2nd gear while going fast and trying to down shift to 4th and shifting into the wrong gear....

[rage2021]

Well I do the recommended maint, and dont really over rev, most I go to is 3-3 1/2. SO I think I should be good. Im thinking of using syntehtic oil, maybe that would be better long term.

[santana87]

yea i heard about the mazda engines being not reliable but i say it depends on regular maintaince
my engine blew at 87000 i do my regular oil changes at the dealer at prima mazda
it was weird cus i checked my lvl of my oil it was fine i asked the dealer y do u suggest on doing the oil
change at 8000k even though the manual says it 8k interval but if u see low lvl on ur dipstick you say (dealer) it fine.
so 3 months later i hear a knocking noise of my engine and scheduled maintaince was at 90000k but i only reached 87000k
i go to them telling them the problem they say i would have to pay a diagnostic fee of $98 im like wtf
i should have the powertrain warranty up to 5yrs or 100000k so im like ok let me talk to ur manager
so they end up checking their records and they find out i do have my warranty intact and then the mechanic
tells the receptionist that #2 connecting rod bearing has fully deteriorated and also found bearing material through out
engine. the dealer said a new engine assembly is needed so they replace a new engine under the warranty.
so i asked them what caused the problem and how may i prevent this problem from ever occuring again
they said just keep doing your regular interval check ups im like yeaaa okkkk . and i snapeed cus if 8k intervals were
bad enough what makes u think ill ever come bak to your services. they apologized and said we will change ur intervals from 8k- 6k
so im like wuteva i dont really care i told my dad lets do our intervals at 4k if anything.
Soo basically to sum upp i never went to prima mazda dealer ship sincee thennn lousyyy serviceeee but good ohnestyy cus
the recptionist always gave me a heads up of wut needs to be done and i take that into consideration and i do it .

[ZoomZoom09]

Without and paperwork for oil changes and repairs you've got a tough battle on your hands, good luck.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

yea i heard about the mazda engines being not reliable but i say it depends on regular maintaince
my engine blew at 87000 i do my regular oil changes at the dealer at prima mazda
it was weird cus i checked my lvl of my oil it was fine i asked the dealer y do u suggest on doing the oil
change at 8000k even though the manual says it 8k interval but if u see low lvl on ur dipstick you say (dealer) it fine.
so 3 months later i hear a knocking noise of my engine and scheduled maintaince was at 90000k but i only reached 87000k
i go to them telling them the problem they say i would have to pay a diagnostic fee of $98 im like wtf
i should have the powertrain warranty up to 5yrs or 100000k so im like ok let me talk to ur manager
so they end up checking their records and they find out i do have my warranty intact and then the mechanic
tells the receptionist that #2 connecting rod bearing has fully deteriorated and also found bearing material through out
engine. the dealer said a new engine assembly is needed so they replace a new engine under the warranty.
so i asked them what caused the problem and how may i prevent this problem from ever occuring again
they said just keep doing your regular interval check ups im like yeaaa okkkk . and i snapeed cus if 8k intervals were
bad enough what makes u think ill ever come bak to your services. they apologized and said we will change ur intervals from 8k- 6k
so im like wuteva i dont really care i told my dad lets do our intervals at 4k if anything.
Soo basically to sum upp i never went to prima mazda dealer ship sincee thennn lousyyy serviceeee but good ohnestyy cus
the recptionist always gave me a heads up of wut needs to be done and i take that into consideration and i do it .

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