Engine replacement

[JojoC]

Hello,

I have a 2014 CX-5 that has had an internal coolant leak. I'm not sure from where, I have to refill the coolant reservoir every 400 miles. I did a block test that showed negative results, a shop did a coolant pressure test and held pressure, I had the oil analyzed and the results showed coolant in the oil. The engine has significant sludge buildup, and the engine has developed a concerning noise. A loud ticking that is most evident after letting off the accelerator and RPMs are returning to idle. I replaced the VVT solenoid, but that did not fix the ticking issue. While performing the VVT solenoid replacement, I was able to see the condition of the engine under the valve cover. It made me lean towards a full engine replacement. I was wondering if anyone has advice on that process or has done it? I've contacted a few shops and they're all in the $7-9K for a replacement Jasper engine. The car is only worth $7,500 according to KBB and JD power, but I like the car and besides the engine the car is in good condition. I'm on the fence about fixing this car or buying a new one.

Thanks in advance,

Jojo

 

[N7turbo]

That is one nasty engine. That is what it looks like when oil is not changed for a long time. Or ever.

The ticking may be a HLA (Hydraulic Lash Adjuster): 2018 CX-5 GT Outer Hydraulic Lash Adjuster Knocking - Covered out of Warranty?

I was going to say that the coolant in the oil is what I would be most worried about. But that sludge...I'm not sure how to clean it out. And if any damage was done by not having proper clean oil in the engine for a period of time. The only way to find out would be to disassemble the engine and run everything through a parts cleaner, but that and reassembly would be a good amount of labor.

 

[Lazy2.5]

The inside of that engine looks horrifying.

I think... Start by cleaning out that engine. And changing your oil on time.

 

[sm1ke]

The price you were quoted for a replacement engine sounds really high.. by comparison, a brand new 2.5T engine installed by the dealership here in Canada would run like $8-9k CDN ($6.5k USD), and that includes labour.

A search on lkqonline.com shows a lot of available used engines ranging from $1400-2400, with the vast majority being around $1800 USD. Maybe see if there's a local option, or try a junkyard to source a replacement engine. There is the risk that the replacement engine could also need work, but chances are good that the replacement will at least be in better condition that the current engine.

 

[Jmaz]

The price you were quoted for a replacement engine sounds really high.. by comparison, a brand new 2.5T engine installed by the dealership here in Canada would run like $8-9k CDN ($6.5k USD), and that includes labour.

A search on lkqonline.com shows a lot of available used engines ranging from $1400-2400, with the vast majority being around $1800 USD. Maybe see if there's a local option, or try a junkyard to source a replacement engine. There is the risk that the replacement engine could also need work, but chances are good that the replacement will at least be in better condition that the current engine.

Agree with your comments. Also, after reading about the poor opinions of Jasper engines from professional mechanics it maybe in the best interests of the OP to avoid them. Overpriced and poor quality. They had a good reputation years ago.
Hate to say it but a very sludged up engine and internal coolant leak would have me considering selling it if it were mine and a replacement engine would be too expensive. There could be other engine problems waiting also. With obviously ignored oil changes it makes one wonder what the transmission is like. When selling/trading in a vehicle, it's worth more when it still moves normally without obvious big problems.

 

[Lazy2.5]

The inside of that engine looks horrifying.

I think... Start by cleaning out that engine. And changing your oil on time.

And then consider replacement engines if needed.

 

[SparkYellow]

By cleaning, do you guys mean using engine flush type of products? It would be interesting to see the improvement after a few rounds.

 

[N7turbo]

By cleaning, do you guys mean using engine flush type of products? It would be interesting to see the improvement after a few rounds.

I mean taking the engine apart and putting them through a parts cleaner. Complete chemical removal of the sludge like it never happened. No guarantee there won't be any scored bearings.

 

[Lazy2.5]

You have to really try to mess up one of these engines. I mean really.

I mean taking the engine apart and putting them through a parts cleaner. Complete chemical removal of the sludge like it never happened. No guarantee there won't be any scored bearings.

That would be the right way to do it, but what do you guys think about doing oil changes and engine flushes until all that crap comes out?

Also, OP mentioned that there is coolant in the oil, but I'm not seeing much of that in the photo if any, just one horrifyingly neglected engine, which should well explain the ticking sound OP has complained about.

If I were the owner I would try to save this engine, and never neglect it again.

 

[Mazdiod2]

the coolant reservoir every 400 miles. I did a block test that showed negative results, a shop did a coolant pressure test and held pressure, I had the oil analyzed and the results showed coolant in the oil.

It won't last long with coolant in the oil, it's really bad for the bearings.

 

[Frankiestoy]

You failed to mention the mileage on that motor . From the looks of it I would say that’s pretty rough. I pulled an Old 350 Chevy engine apart 30 years ago that had high mileage and it still didn’t look that bad . I probably would not replace the engines .

 

[hoodlum]

While not a CX-5, I did replace my 2.0l engine in a '17 Mazda3 here is Canada. I had a cracked cylinder head and coolant leaked into the engine. Due to the high km (390k km/240k miles), my dealer recommended a replacement engine. They were able to secure a used 2.0l engine with only 50k km (30k miles) on it. The engine cost $650 and the dealer charged 10 hours of labour to swap engines. There was ~$100 in fluid cost as well. The total came to $2040 Canadian before taxes. I have since put on 140k km (85k miles) since then without any issues. While a turbo engine will cost more, you should be able to do much better.