The Ohio Random Thread... aka We Should Probably Be Working

[jri4]

No maintenance at a dealer. Do it all ourselves, every 5,000 miles. Of course, I have no proof except for a few dates and checkmarks written in the user manual.

We are looking to find a turbo and swap it ourselves. Both my dad and I are capable, although it would be always nice to have help and friends around, too. I'll keep you guys posted.

In fact, one option my dad suggested was sourcing one of PG's or BNR Supercar's rebuilt K04s and putting it in my car, then swapping my current turbo into the CX-7. I honestly don't care either way, but if they are paying...

Looking into finding some receipts now. It's just the car can't just sit around forever. It's needed to get my mom to work and back, ya know?

Thanks for everything gang!

 

[WillD]

Mazda Motorsports sells the turbo for the MS3 but it's $680.

 

[jri4]

Thanks Will. I was just curious if it would be cheaper.

 

[XCLR8TN]

The 2007 CX-7 blew it's turbo yesterday. Just like the TSB known for all MZR DISI 2.3 turbo Mazdas, blue smoke pouring out the exhaust....

Question. What "blows" on these stock turbos? Is it a seal? My greddy on the miata toasted a seal and I bought a kit for around $100 and rebuilt the turbo. Is this a feasible option? My only concern with the used turbo idea is that the same thing would just happen again. Then again, are we talking 30k out of a turbo or more before it blows? I'm new to any Mazda other than Miatas so I had no clue that turbo issue even existed!

Edit before someone chimes in: it was my first time rebuilding a turbo, no I didn't get it balanced afterwards. I marked the housings and lined up the marks before reassembling. The hardest part was the snap rings.

 

[WillD]

So I got the LCA completely off the car tonight...

Here are the pieces of the bolt/bushing/steel sleeve:

Looks to me like the bolt got bound up in the bushing/steel sleeve and from there it just stripped the threads on both the nut and the bolt.

And my f-ed LCA:

And the shiny new one all installed:

Just have to pick up a lock washer and nut to replace the nut that I had to grind off the other side of the LCA and I should be good to go.

 

[jri4]

I'm not very technical or knowledgeable but, yes, the seal failed. The whole system is screwy, honestly. And mazda knows about it. They even sent out letters to MS3, MS6, and CX-7 owners that gave them an extended 15,000 miles onto the warranty. Yet when you bring it up, dealers act like they know nothing about it and won't do anything. It's frustrating really, and I am glad I am beyond the warranty point on my MS3

 

[Josue6WGN]

Is this an issue on 2nd gen MS3's as well? What about a new '12?

 

[jri4]

Supposedly. It was "fixed" in late 2008 and 2009 models. I don't know. My MS3 smoked a little bit shortly after I purchased it. I switched from 5w-30 to 5w-40 (per the TSB sent out my Mazda) and installed an oil catch can--that catches the oil that blows by the seal and smokes out the exhaust--and voila, no more smoking since! Not sure if it is just a "mask" fix or if it truly has stopped and prevented further "damage." But I went from 45,000 to 90,000 with no issues so far!

 

[ajkulish]

no this was just an issue on 07 and 08 speed 3's. the main reason for a 08.5 adjustment was to fix the turbo smoking issues.

 

[Josue6WGN]

Good. Brother's still looking into 2nd Gen's, trying to pass along any info I come across. haha

He keeps asking me what the "known" issues are with them/things to keep an eye out for, but I'm not familiar with that platform.

 

[princess peach]

some first gens also had some issues with the tranny...

 

[Josue6WGN]

What kind of issues? In stock form? Or only when you start the mods?

 

[princess peach]

stock, syncros for 3rd gear, sometimes 2nd

 

[WillD]

I'm not very technical or knowledgeable but, yes, the seal failed. The whole system is screwy, honestly. And mazda knows about it. They even sent out letters to MS3, MS6, and CX-7 owners that gave them an extended 15,000 miles onto the warranty. Yet when you bring it up, dealers act like they know nothing about it and won't do anything. It's frustrating really, and I am glad I am beyond the warranty point on my MS3

What about trying a different Mazda dealer? I've read about people taking their MS3 in to get the turbo replaced and the dealership didn't give them a hard time about the oil change stuff...

 

[Josue6WGN]

^This...

Seems like BS for there to be a TSB on the issue, but have them NOT honor it??

Oh- and I forgot to mention....my brother finally found out what the problem was, after the thing sitting there since Monday. The #4 rocker was loose, and caused damage to the pushrod and a little bit to the head I believe. Not sure if the head is machinable or if it needs replaced, but it sounds like his warranty should pick up the bill for everything.

 

[princess peach]

What about trying a different Mazda dealer? I've read about people taking their MS3 in to get the turbo replaced and the dealership didn't give them a hard time about the oil change stuff...

that's a good idea, I did that when I thought I had issues with the tranny. Unfortunately, the service manager is no longer there so I can't guarantee they will fix it as their service has gone down the drain (Montrose)

 

[WillD]

What alignment shop is everyone using? I know I've seen some recommendations on here but I can't seem to find it.

And anyone have any recommendations as far as alignment settings?

 

[XCLR8TN]

I used the Alinement shop on Tallmadge ave for the miata when it was slammed. Supposedly they still use the string method. For the neon and 2 I bought lifetime alignments at Firestone. Both cars got zero toe and -1* of camber in the front. They aren't thrilled with doing that and make you sign a paper that says you understand it will wear tires more. That 1 degree helps me not wear them

 

[THE Phen]

stock, syncros for 3rd gear, sometimes 2nd

I wonder how much of that is from people trying to beat on their cars and not knowing how to shift.... Then playing dumb when enough people b**** about it.

 

[etipp98]

White wheel on lorain rd by 150th