Mazdaspeedgirl
Resident Autocrosser
- :
- 99 10AE MX-5 | 2016.5 CX-5 GT
Yep, that's right. This tops off the tranny rebuild we had done at 10,000 miles (SEVERE grindage).
It began as a simple thing, really. I took the car in for delayed starting. No, this was not the typical dragging start that is related to the battery. The starter cranked the engine at normal speed. It was taking about 10 seconds of cranking to start. Sometimes it wouldn't start, but it would start right up on the second round of cranking.
A simple fix, I thought. I figured maybe the spark plugs were getting gummy. I am friends with the head Mazda mechanic at our dealership here. He checked the plugs, but they were fine. Out of curiosity, and perhaps because the plugs were already out, he checked the compression on the motor. He said Mazda minimum standards were that the compression be at 98% on the rotors. Mine was diagnosed as 84% on the front rotor and 74% (
) on the rear rotor.
The service manager called Mazda about the issue because my poor car's motor was quite worn at only 18,992 miles. It took much deliberation, but they decided to warranty the motor (as if they had a choice
). They were asking questions about modifications to the car from exhaust to even if it had after market wheels!!!
Anyhoo, I think my 8 will be one of the poor damned souls, like many of the FDs.
I am by far not complaining. I love my car, but if she is going to need engines replaced in that kind of time frame, I will be forced to get rid of her.
Just a word of warning for you guys, if anything like the problems I was having happens, get the compression checked. Hell, I'd have them do it anyway, especially because my car was running just fine once started (it was idling a little rough though). We'd have never known, if it had not been for my friend. Who knows--the engine prolly would have worn completely out just out of warranty. That would surely suck.
It began as a simple thing, really. I took the car in for delayed starting. No, this was not the typical dragging start that is related to the battery. The starter cranked the engine at normal speed. It was taking about 10 seconds of cranking to start. Sometimes it wouldn't start, but it would start right up on the second round of cranking.
A simple fix, I thought. I figured maybe the spark plugs were getting gummy. I am friends with the head Mazda mechanic at our dealership here. He checked the plugs, but they were fine. Out of curiosity, and perhaps because the plugs were already out, he checked the compression on the motor. He said Mazda minimum standards were that the compression be at 98% on the rotors. Mine was diagnosed as 84% on the front rotor and 74% (
The service manager called Mazda about the issue because my poor car's motor was quite worn at only 18,992 miles. It took much deliberation, but they decided to warranty the motor (as if they had a choice
Anyhoo, I think my 8 will be one of the poor damned souls, like many of the FDs.
I am by far not complaining. I love my car, but if she is going to need engines replaced in that kind of time frame, I will be forced to get rid of her.
Just a word of warning for you guys, if anything like the problems I was having happens, get the compression checked. Hell, I'd have them do it anyway, especially because my car was running just fine once started (it was idling a little rough though). We'd have never known, if it had not been for my friend. Who knows--the engine prolly would have worn completely out just out of warranty. That would surely suck.
