| kwsmithphoto | 02-13-2011 04:52 AM |
No pix of old parts, it was a warranty job and I left it there, so the tech threw them out. He said they looked ok to him, but the ECU doesn't say which cylinder was misfiring, so they have to replace all 4 to make sure the code clears and stays that way.
I have not and never will put that Seafoam crap in this car. There are better products available if needed. But I'm not doing anything to the motor except by the book maintenance.
I have always used Top Tier gasolines. I was running PPP 5W30 oil and Purolater Pure One filter carts until my last oil change, when I switched to 5W40 Castrol Syntech oil per the 2008 smoking turbo TSB, even though I have a 2009. Didn't work, but it's only smoked once since I switched oil. I came to find out that this dealer also uses the same oil for these cars now (and CX-7's).
So, despite what the book says, new plugs every 30K. Not gonna wait until it throws another code. Between the intermittent smoking and fouled plug(s), the cat cons are not long for this world either. Hopefully they plug up BEFORE my 60K powertrain warranty expires because it's an exPENsive job.
I re-hashed the talk I had with a service adviser, who used to be the shop foreman, about an oil catch can kit to replace the crappy PCV system these motors have. He couldn't assure me that it would not void the warranty but agreed they were good things to have, if implemented correctly. Unfortunately, I'm on on the CA smog check treadmill when my registration comes up in November, and that's a bust.
So, the bone stock and very well maintained motor shall remain. I can't afford major engine repairs, so the car will be for sale at 59K. Meanwhile, the car will be respectfully treated like the "wild child" that Mazda is quoted as saying it is. Besides, I'm a curvy road guy - I already think it's overpowered for the chassis, so I have only upgraded the suspension, with a minor brake upgrade coming fairly soon including DOT4 fluid. No modifications per se, just upgrades with high quality wear items. Ok, I guess the Tri-Point RSB technically qualifies as a mod, but it causes no significant harm to any rear suspension parts, just does a mild rebalancing of the suspension tuning. The chassis has undergone 2 full checks by pro shops, including the 30K dealer service, all clear. Even the rear transaxle mount is just fine, which is kind of surprising.
I love this car but I'm not going to be doing my normal 10 year life cycles with it. I honestly don't think it would make it that far anyway. At least not the motor. The turbo IS going to fail pretty soon, I know that, but that'll be under warranty. And if the whole motor goes boom, that will also be covered as long as I own it, because it's bone stock and perfectly maintained with all records. | 