Almost Dead Engine From Cracked 2.3L Oil Filter Housing

[RedRaptor]

I never thought it would ever happen to me but this morning, it did. Here's some history on my car:

-2004 Mazda Sport GT
-All services done at Mazda dealerships (Mazda of Toronto, but mostly Avante)
-Avante Mazda did my last oil change in Sept 2008.
-98,000km (bumper to bumper warranty is gone, 2000km left on powertrain)

So this morning, I'm driving into work. I work in Brampton so I take Hwy 401 -> Hwy 410 and exit on Queen Street.

As I was on the highway, I didn't notice anything wrong with the car. I never race my engine and in the winter I am very very kind to it. I ensure it is warm even before I'll push it harder.

As I get off on Queen, I noticed a burning oil smell. I figure its got to be the car in front of me so I ignore it until I pull into the work parking lot. Then a mist of smoke comes through the vents the smell is really stronger. I knew there was something wrong so I parked the car asap and popped the hood.

I notice oil everywhere on the engine shield and oil was starting to pool underneath my car at a quick rate. Immediately I was thinking "cracked oil filter housing!".

I called Mazda of Brampton and made an appointment for me to bring the car in. Called Abrams towing. One hour of waiting later and $100 for the tow, I get the car to Mazda of Brampton.

They charged me $50 just to look at the car. 30 min later, they told me exactly what I was expecting to hear.

-Cracked oil filter housing causing an oil leak (noticed the oil filter was overtightened!)
-3L of oil was gone from the leak.
-There is oil everywhere in the lower engine bay
-Additional $110 for an oil change/refill and clean up.
-I asked for the old oil housing back (I will post pics of it)

They told me the engine will be fine since I had the presence of mind to shut it off when I noticed the oil smell (I got lucky since I just made it into work instead of being on the side of the highway).

So...I'm lucky that its not a $8000 experience (new engine) and that it was only $300 + a day wasted.

But I'm pissed that a $15 part could have the potential to cause major damage to a car. Why make a plastic oil filter that can't withstand a harsh temperature and a little over tightening?

Should Mazda Canada or Avante Mazda offer me some sort of compensation for this?

I already called Joe at Mazda of Toronto. I am going to have my oil housing converted to the 2.0L so I can use the spin on METAL oil filters.

I don't want to deal with this ever again...its a waste of time, waste of money its embarassing when you tell your coworkers and friends about this and they say "I've NEVER heard of that happening."

Today, I am not a happy Mazda owner.

[Flagrum_3]

That sucks but lucky you had the presence in mind to shut her off -good going!

If you have your receipt from your last oil change and you have the housing and all reciepts of your tow and costs at Brampton, you should have no problem getting reembersed by Avante, I would think! But they might question why it took so long before it was noticed, or started to leak.

Good luck mang,


_3

[mazda lover]

when I noticed Mazda used a plastic housing for its filter I did the spin on filter conversion right at my first oil change. Using plastic to house the most important life line to the engine is insane and a cost cutting BS...

[Gizzmo_jr]

Man, your so lucky. I meticulous about such things, double checking the torque setting using the mazda oil filter wrench. But it's the odd ball stories like this makes me wanna do the 2.0L conversion.

[MAZDA Kitten]

oh noooooooooooo! That sucks!!

Happened to me too! Thank God in my driveway!!!

http://torontomazda3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21532

http://home.mountaincable.net/~dziuram/agatha/Mazda/oil2.jpg

[RedRaptor]

oh noooooooooooo! That sucks!!

Happened to me too! Thank God in my driveway!!!

http://torontomazda3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21532

http://home.mountaincable.net/~dziuram/agatha/Mazda/oil2.jpg


MK,

Did the dealership cover any of the tow and repair costs? I'm going to give Avante Mazda a call tomorrow and speak to Ted who's the service manager there. I still have the cracked oil filter with me in the trunk that I can show him.

Chances are, they won't do anything for me...they'll just blame it on the cold weather and etc. Eventhough Mazda of Brampton told me it was definitely overtightened and they had trouble getting the oil filter off.

[dsichewski]

Sorry to hear that this happened...I don't know why they would go to a plastic housing but metal filters are the way to go...so much easier.

Can i please make a strong suggestion! Cut a section of the oil filter element and check for any metal flakes and debris....just because the say you only lost 3L of oil how can they say for sure 100% that engine will be fine? I just wouldn't want you to have trouble down the road...

Steps for cutting inspecting paper element
1) using a exacto knife cut a rectangle section out of the oil filter... just in from each side and maybe 3-4 inches long
2) take chunk and place in a paper towel
3) place paper towel in a vice and squeeze it tight. dab off all the oil that rises to the top of the filter
4) removed from vice and remove filter from paper towel. pull filter out(like a spring) and inspect both sides of the filter for any metal debris or rubber debris.
5) if none is present then there is no evidence of metal contamination. however if metal is visible on the filter inspection of the bearings might be neccessary to see if they have had lack of lube.

[Cardinal Fang]

Sorry to hear about this RR. I'm seriously looking at doing the conversion to the 2.0L oil housing now.

[sauga_kid]

Sorry to hear this Rob, hope you get everything sorted out with Avante

[m_a_t_r_i_x]

how much is that housing conversion? parts & labor?, theres seems like alot of interest here including myself. so looks like when this swap is done during oil change.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Hope everything turns out okay.. Scary experience to say the least!!

Wondering if the 2010s have the same plastic housing.

[Mazda3X2]

Glad to hear everything is OK.

I was thinking of doing the conversion to my 2004 as well. Now you have me seriously considering doing it to both our 08's.

There was a place on-line that was selling sort of a kit to do it. But I wonder about the warranty issues.

[Crombie3]

I have heard about this but have been fortunate not to experience it yet.

Has anyone found out if there are any repercussions to this? Are we sure it was just cost cutting that made Mazda choose the plastic setup, whats the difference on the inside of the filter etc...

Very curious to hear because I have considered this change as well.

[Dante]

when i get an oil change. i get up on a chair if i have to a say the following

"Please do not overtighten my oil filter, if somthing happens you will be held accountable"

and i get assured with "Its fine, were professionals.." This is at mr lube.. I dont trust these dealers when i cant see them working.. and even at mr lube i refuse to stay in my car, im looking down at them change my oil filter. Im crouched over saying "Nice and easy bud" hahaha.

[RedRaptor]

Ted the service manager from Avante called me back. He asked me to drop off the cracked filter and my invoices as a result of yesterday's incident. He doesn't think Avante is liable in anyway since the oil change was done on Oct 11th and this happened Jan. 26th. He's going to talk to Mazda of Brampton about their claim that "the oil filter was overtightened and very difficult to take off".

While I appreciate the effort that Ted will investigate this, at the end of the day...the customer gets screwed for this. I'm not screaming about $300 and a day off work...I've learnt my lesson about these Mazda 2.3 oil filters, my issue is that this is unacceptable and I could have had a blown engine and a $8000 bill.

[FLIPDADY]

Sucks that you had to go through all this Rob. I've ordered the 2.0L filter housing which should arrive by Thursday.

The 2010 models are all spin-on type filters.

[Dante]

my understanding from reading is i can have my 2.0L housing changed to a metal one?

[aris]

my understanding from reading is i can have my 2.0L housing changed to a metal one?

no...If you have a 2.3L you can have it changed to a 2.0L housing which is a closed flter. and the 2.3L is a open filter that you slide in and screw a srew in..i think...

I think thats how it works..If i am wrong somone say something..lol

[cyberscorpi0]

So sorry for what happened to your car Bro, hope everything get straighten out.

[mazda lover]

no...If you have a 2.3L you can have it changed to a 2.0L housing which is a closed flter. and the 2.3L is a open filter that you slide in and screw a srew in..i think...

I think thats how it works..If i am wrong somone say something..lol

you are correct...a closed filter is a spin on type


my understanding from reading is i can have my 2.0L housing changed to a metal one?

not sure what you are asking but if you have a 2.0l engine then you have a spin on filter already, its just the 2.3 that doesn't...


I have heard about this but have been fortunate not to experience it yet.

Has anyone found out if there are any repercussions to this? Are we sure it was just cost cutting that made Mazda choose the plastic setup, whats the difference on the inside of the filter etc...

Very curious to hear because I have considered this change as well.

the filter set up on the 2.3 was made to be complicated,(torque specs, special tool) so you bring it to the dealer for an oil change. Cheaper to use plastic instead of metal and the filter insert is cheaper to make...I have over 50,000KM with the conversion and so far no problems...why would there be...
Like I have said before on other threads that cars from the 1950s used the same system but with very heavy gauge metal for a housing, many owners of these vehicle today have converted to a spin on filter..I know I own one with a conversion which will take modern spin on filters...

[Xerox]

Nice save RR. I'm gonna seriously consider the conversion for my car.

[Dante]

so i dont need to worry about this problem?

[Aitch]

Dante, no - you don't have to worry about this problem. If you've got a 2.0L then there is no problem to start with.

Mazda_lover, I know what you're talking about with this type of filter being on older cars. I restored a '69 MGB with my dad, which had a filter under a thick metal housing. After one incredibly messy oilchange (the filter sat above the adapter plate) we switched to an inverted spin-on conversion where the filter hangs down. Much neater, and less volume for the oil to flow through when you're cold cranking the engine.

[RedRaptor]

Sucks that you had to go through all this Rob. I've ordered the 2.0L filter housing which should arrive by Thursday.

The 2010 models are all spin-on type filters.

Thanks Joe. I can't wait to get this done.

About the 2010 models having the spin on type, at least Mazda learned its lesson, however not before many owners have paid the price.

This issue ONLY concerns 2.3L owners. The 2.0L engine already has the spin-on filter.

[MAZDA Kitten]

MK,

Did the dealership cover any of the tow and repair costs? I'm going to give Avante Mazda a call tomorrow and speak to Ted who's the service manager there. I still have the cracked oil filter with me in the trunk that I can show him.

Chances are, they won't do anything for me...they'll just blame it on the cold weather and etc. Eventhough Mazda of Brampton told me it was definitely overtightened and they had trouble getting the oil filter off.

Hey Rob!...

Put it this way... I have fought many battles with Mazda Canada/Ontario Mazda and at that time I felt I didnt want to deal with these :AH

I did email Mazda Canada with the all the details of what happened and I think they sent me some standard copy and paste apology letter. I wasnt looking for reimbursement but on second thought I shouldve went with it further.

I paid for my tow plus lost a day of work.
Like I said... I was 'tired' of always complaining about Ontario Mazda

[-cj-]

Any draw backs to switching to the 2.0L housing? Is the filter smaller? When you get your oil changed, do you need to tell them it's not the standard filter but really a 2.0L filter? How does Mazda feel about this conversion (Warranty wise). Does it affect the oil pressure in any way?

[FLIPDADY]

Doing this conversion will affect your warranty mainly because the housing was made for a different engine. It would be in the same area as if you were to slap a turbo on your car.

[Gizzmo_jr]

Flipdady, PM'ed question.

[mazda lover]

Doing this conversion will affect your warranty mainly because the housing was made for a different engine. It would be in the same area as if you were to slap a turbo on your car.

isn't it the same block? oil ports?, valve train? cam? bearings? etc, why does the oil filter housing fit perfectly? Mazda will use it as an excuse not to do a repair under warranty. Mazda will have to prove its the filters fault, not just say "oh it the filter"
compression ratio is different might be the only difference.
I know nothing about engines so feel free to correct me...

[3GFX]

Happened to me as well from Airport within the same week of an oil change. Luckily Jimmy caught it. I drove right back (it wasn't leaking bad) and said change it on the spot. They cleaned it up and gave me a free oil change, replacing my synthetic. They screwed up, they fix it. I have all receipts for all the work done to my car.

[RedRaptor]

Doing this conversion will affect your warranty mainly because the housing was made for a different engine. It would be in the same area as if you were to slap a turbo on your car.

Thats fine, my powertrain warranty is about to run out (2000km left). After that, if I was to stay with the 2.3L oil filter of death and this happens again, Mazda won't warranty my engine anyways.

[3GFX]

Ok so I'm reading this and wondering....how can we tell if the conversion was done on our cars. I was told it was done on mine but I'm not sure.

[Gizzmo_jr]

Do you have this
http://www.eskimo.com/~hwang/images/mx6/oil_filter_short.JPG

Or this
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/Fifth_Image_Mazda_3_under_hood_Oil_Filter.jpg
That's the housing for the 2.3L cartridge, the black part is the plastic piece of DEATH

[Flagrum_3]

Doing this conversion will affect your warranty mainly because the housing was made for a different engine. It would be in the same area as if you were to slap a turbo on your car.

Joe how much for the kit? Any order numbers? I'm considering changing over once the warranty is up.

Thanks bro.


_3

[mazda lover]

Joe how much for the kit? Any order numbers? I'm considering changing over once the warranty is up.

Thanks bro.


_3

try here
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=25801&highlight=oil+filter+conversion

for more info search "oil filter conversion"

[MAZDA Kitten]

I think I need to do this to avoid another one of these.......

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3242909475_266b5d6e52_o.jpg

[mazda lover]

I think I need to do this to avoid another one of these.......

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3242909475_266b5d6e52_o.jpg

Not sure what you mean...?!
some secret code...lol

[MAZDA Kitten]

No?
Not sure what YOU mean??http://smilies.vidahost.com/cwm/cwm/uhoh2.gif

My car had to be towed because of a cracked filter housing

[5P01L3D]

i think mazda_lover is referring to the wood thingy where your front tires are about to go on.. so it wont scratch the bottom of your car, since it's lowered.. (im assuming..)

[MAZDA Kitten]

oh so sorry my apologies for any misunderstanding.

yes the lip was hitting the ground

[5P01L3D]

:p

mazda_kitten,

what % tints are those?

[MAZDA Kitten]

SolarGard (no "u" in Gard)

http://solargard.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/Auto.HP_Charcoal/Auto-HP-Charcoal.htm

HP32

[Mazda3X2]

I found this kit on-line a while back. Price seems really good and I think they are geniune Mazda parts. I would order it for my MS3 but I'm not sure I want the warranty implications. Any opinions?

http://www.mazdastuff.com/product.cfm?ProductID=2871

[Harbour Rat]

If I had to convert to a spin on filter (I don't - 2.0L) I'd consider this adapter with provision for an OE Mazda oil cooler, as used in some applications (http://www.streetunit.com/Spin_On_Oil_Filter_Conversion_Kit_MS6_MS3_CX7_p/sums6soofc.htm). In fact it is tempting as a replacement/upgrade for my existing spin on filter mount, assuming the cooler isn't too expensive.

I'm sure someone from one of our sponsor dealerships can post a price for the Mazda cooler and hoses. Hint, hint ;)

[Hives]

not good, not good at all

[mazda lover]

not good, not good at all

what is not good, not good at all??????!!!!!!

[RedRaptor]

Dropped off my invoices and the cracked filter housing to Ted at Avante a week ago. No news or updates from him yet in terms of any compensation from Avante or Mazda Canada (as expected).

FLIPDADDY hooked me up with an appointment tomorrow at MoT to get the 2.0L conversion done. (Thanks Joe!). :)

1000km till 100,000km mark. I hope my 3 can last another 100,000km!

[FLIPDADY]

Joe how much for the kit? Any order numbers? I'm considering changing over once the warranty is up.

Thanks bro.


_3
Well I've taken the liberty of ordering 6 conversion kits after Rob and another member expressed intrest.

TM3 price $57.10 tax in for the parts only.

Kit includes:
-2.0 spin on filter
-2.0 filter housing
-Housing gasket

[Mazda3X2]

Nice Flip.

Is there any way you would give your opinion on getting this done while the car is still under warranty? Or should one wait. Just a professional opinion.

[FLIPDADY]

Nice Flip.

Is there any way you would give your opinion on getting this done while the car is still under warranty? Or should one wait. Just a professional opinion.
It doesn't hurt the engine IMO I mean you're just replacing the oil filter housing and the filter. The base mounting gasket is the same as the cartridge type. I'm going to do it once I put my turbo set-up together.

[Xerox]

Well I've taken the liberty of ordering 6 conversion kits after Rob and another member expressed intrest.

TM3 price $57.10 tax in for the parts only.

Kit includes:
-2.0 spin on filter
-2.0 filter housing
-Housing gasket

Cost of labour for install?

[Flagrum_3]

Well I've taken the liberty of ordering 6 conversion kits after Rob and another member expressed intrest.

TM3 price $57.10 tax in for the parts only.

Kit includes:
-2.0 spin on filter
-2.0 filter housing
-Housing gasket


Excellent Joe!! Can you hold one kit for me? Just PM me when thier in.


Thanks mang! :)


_3

[FLIPDADY]

Cost of labour for install?
Labour is $55.00 plus tax.

[mazda lover]

It doesn't hurt the engine IMO I mean you're just replacing the oil filter housing and the filter. The base mounting gasket is the same as the cartridge type. I'm going to do it once I put my turbo set-up together.


guess you changed your mind about the warranty issue doing the conversion

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=379696

[FLIPDADY]

guess you changed your mind about the warranty issue doing the conversion
It didn't say exactly when....:)

[mazda lover]

It didn't say exactly when....:)

Good point

[RedRaptor]

Just got back from MoT. Had the 2.0L conversion done and piece of mind.

It cost me about $160 after taxes (kit, labour, oil change - I supplied oil).

I wish I had gotten this done before...I wouldn't have to be out $300. Oh well, $460 for a lesson learned, thats life.

I recommend all owners with a 2.3L to get this done. Warranty or no warranty, it is simply a hassle to deal with. Again, I never thought it would happen to me UNTIL it did. We should be lucky enough that MoT will do the conversion at a very reasonable rate. I asked Mazda of Brampton if they would do the conversion and they said no. Avante doesn't want to touch the conversion either.

Thanks again to Joe for hooking me up!

[FLIPDADY]

Sorry I wasn't in today Rob but I left you in good hands with Vincent and Moez. I just called them to make sure the discount and everything was in order.

[RedRaptor]

Sorry I wasn't in today Rob but I left you in good hands with Vincent and Moez. I just called them to make sure the discount and everything was in order.

Joe, you stood me up! I went down looking for you and I was told Joe didn't come in. :)

Hahaha. I'll have to stop by on a Saturday you're actually working and catch up. Its been awhile bro.

Vincent was top notch, very helpful and explained everything on the invoice to me. MoT is really busy on Saturdays!

Thanks again bro!

[Mazda3X2]

Joe, would you be able to ship the parts out to me? I think I would just do the change on my next oil change myself. Looks pretty straight forward.

[mazda lover]

Just got back from MoT. Had the 2.0L conversion done and piece of mind.

It cost me about $160 after taxes (kit, labour, oil change - I supplied oil).

I wish I had gotten this done before...I wouldn't have to be out $300. Oh well, $460 for a lesson learned, thats life.

I recommend all owners with a 2.3L to get this done. Warranty or no warranty, it is simply a hassle to deal with. Again, I never thought it would happen to me UNTIL it did. We should be lucky enough that MoT will do the conversion at a very reasonable rate. I asked Mazda of Brampton if they would do the conversion and they said no. Avante doesn't want to touch the conversion either.

Thanks again to Joe for hooking me up!

curious why the mentioned dealers wouldn't do the conversion??

[b]

I am starting to wonder if this is why my engine went south. I think I will do this also! Good idea RR.

I'll ask Oakville Mazda if they can do this work next time I am in.

[RedRaptor]

I called up Ted at Avante today to ask for an update since I dropped off my busted filter and my invoices. As expected, Mazda Canada says its a wear and tear issue and there isn't anything they can do for me.

I asked Ted if Avante will do any 2.0L conversion and he mentioned they "can" but with a disclaimer (no different at MoT, it will affect warranty). So Avante will do the conversion but at this point, I would go to MoT if you want the conversion done since you have FLIPDADDY/Joe watching your back!

[TheMAN]

Hope everything turns out okay.. Scary experience to say the least!!

Wondering if the 2010s have the same plastic housing.
no it doesn't and it also backs up perfectly why it's not a problem to convert over and totally refutes BS dealer claims about oil pressure "problems" after conversion
http://www.imazda.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15282

[TheMAN]

I called up Ted at Avante today to ask for an update since I dropped off my busted filter and my invoices. As expected, Mazda Canada says its a wear and tear issue and there isn't anything they can do for me.

I asked Ted if Avante will do any 2.0L conversion and he mentioned they "can" but with a disclaimer (no different at MoT, it will affect warranty). So Avante will do the conversion but at this point, I would go to MoT if you want the conversion done since you have FLIPDADDY/Joe watching your back!
it's not a wear and tear issue... it has been known with mazda that the oil filter cover plastic was too thin and would break even when proper procedures were used during installation over time due to fatigue.... the plastic thickness was increased sometime in august/september of 06... no official bulletin or part number supersession was ever made on this... only an internal memo that I saw (and could not get a copy of) showed how to identify the older and newer part... if you looked inside the cover, you will see a date code circle stamp... there will be a noticable gap between the stamp and the inner wall, but there is no gap in the newer one... the mazda usa technical rep even went further to say that any broken filter housings on cars produced before that time can be claimed under warranty.... but that's the US and we already know things are different in canada

the newer lot of covers (no part number supersession) will "correct" this problem... therefore, it is the official stance with mazda that 07-09 cars will not have this problem as long as proper procedures are followed

as far as I know, this part has only been changed 3 times (2 times officially)... if your car was produced before november of 04, it is using a very early style filter cover... a 1st revision was done from november 04 production, and as I stated above, sometime in late summer 06, it was unofficially changed again for the 2nd time.... if you have either of these early covers, I recommend you either change the cover to the new one or convert your filter over to the 2.0/2.5 one

[mazda lover]

it's not a wear and tear issue... it has been known with mazda that the oil filter cover plastic was too thin and would break even when proper procedures were used during installation over time due to fatigue.... the plastic thickness was increased sometime in august/september of 06... no official bulletin or part number supersession was ever made on this... only an internal memo that I saw (and could not get a copy of) showed how to identify the older and newer part... if you looked inside the cover, you will see a date code circle stamp... there will be a noticable gap between the stamp and the inner wall, but there is no gap in the newer one... the mazda usa technical rep even went further to say that any broken filter housings on cars produced before that time can be claimed under warranty.... but that's the US and we already know things are different in canada

the newer lot of covers (no part number supersession) will "correct" this problem... therefore, it is the official stance with mazda that 07-09 cars will not have this problem as long as proper procedures are followed

as far as I know, this part has only been changed 3 times (2 times officially)... if your car was produced before november of 04, it is using a very early style filter cover... a 1st revision was done from november 04 production, and as I stated above, sometime in late summer 06, it was unofficially changed again for the 2nd time.... if you have either of these early covers, I recommend you either change the cover to the new one or convert your filter over to the 2.0/2.5 one

GREAT post..
Thanks for your efforts
U DA MAN

[Malcolm991]

This happend to me yesterday when I went for an oil change. The tech starts my car and oil sprays everywhere. So the guy pleads not guilty and acts like I brought my car there just like that. I told him that I wasn't born yesterday and that he put too much presure on the plastic housing installing my oil canister and my car didn't have this problem before he put his hands on it. I also told him this problem is a known issue and that he damaged it and Im not paying for the replacement part. So after talking to the manager of the place, they paid for the replacement part and I was on my way. Everybody should keep there eye on this problem when gettin an oil change. Nobody needs a blown engine as a result of a person that doesn't take proper care when doing there job!

[b]

Now I am starting to wonder if that is how my engine went... or started to go...

This is a great thread. Lots of useful info.

[Crombie3]

This happend to me yesterday when I went for an oil change. The tech starts my car and oil sprays everywhere. So the guy pleads not guilty and acts like I brought my car there just like that. I told him that I wasn't born yesterday and that he put too much presure on the plastic housing installing my oil canister and my car didn't have this problem before he put his hands on it. I also told him this problem is a known issue and that he damaged it and Im not paying for the replacement part. So after talking to the manager of the place, they paid for the replacement part and I was on my way. Everybody should keep there eye on this problem when gettin an oil change. Nobody needs a blown engine as a result of a person that doesn't take proper care when doing there job!

Scary stuff. Good thing you were watching when it happened or you could have been out some serious coin if they tried to pull a fast one.

[S.F.W.]

I think I have this exact same issue. I had my car in for an oil change on Thursday afternoon. Yesterday at the LED pickup meet, people noticed my car burning oil. I get home, and it's leaking. Had the car towed to the dealership. Just got a call, was told yes the housing is cracked. However, they are not covering it, I was told by both the service advisor, and his manager, that this is a wear item. Given my car is 4.5 years old, and has had many oil changes, the part has failed.
It's only $95, but I still feel like I'm getting screwed on this..

[aris]

I think I have this exact same issue. I had my car in for an oil change on Thursday afternoon. Yesterday at the LED pickup meet, people noticed my car burning oil. I get home, and it's leaking. Had the car towed to the dealership. Just got a call, was told yes the housing is cracked. However, they are not covering it, I was told by both the service advisor, and his manager, that this is a wear item. Given my car is 4.5 years old, and has had many oil changes, the part has failed.
It's only $95, but I still feel like I'm getting screwed on this..

That would suck..and it would make me:flaming

[RedRaptor]

I think I have this exact same issue. I had my car in for an oil change on Thursday afternoon. Yesterday at the LED pickup meet, people noticed my car burning oil. I get home, and it's leaking. Had the car towed to the dealership. Just got a call, was told yes the housing is cracked. However, they are not covering it, I was told by both the service advisor, and his manager, that this is a wear item. Given my car is 4.5 years old, and has had many oil changes, the part has failed.
It's only $95, but I still feel like I'm getting screwed on this..


If you had your oil change on Thursday afternoon, that means that they changed the oil filter with a NEW one. If it cracked, it means THEY overtightened it and should be 100% liable for what happened. The reason why Avante wouldn't cover my expenses was because I had my oil change 3 months ago from the time the filter cracked.

[Gizzmo_jr]

Nothing is stopping me in 20k km to converting to spin on once my warrenty goes up.

[Harbour Rat]

Given my car is 4.5 years old, and has had many oil changes, the part has failed.
It's only $95, but I still feel like I'm getting screwed on this..

At 4.5 years the engine warranty is over. It is also less expensive to do the spin-on conversion. Of course if they have the plastic cover in stock and not the spin conversion parts and you need your car right away (as most of us do) I guess you have to take what you can get.

[S.F.W.]

At 4.5 years the engine warranty is over. It is also less expensive to do the spin-on conversion. Of course if they have the plastic cover in stock and not the spin conversion parts and you need your car right away (as most of us do) I guess you have to take what you can get.
I have coverage under Mazda Added Protection for another 50,000KM or so. My options were limited.

[Flagrum_3]

I have coverage under Mazda Added Protection for another 50,000KM or so. My options were limited.


Ami, they screwed you bro!! Take it back and demand your money back...Fark'n jackasses!!.I know it's only $90 but it's the principle of the matter, they cracked it, it definately is not a wear item, so they should have repaired it and thanked you for not making a big deal about it...Remember you could have ended up stuck on some hwy with a blown fark'n engine bro!

Some dealers just have no scruples!!


_3

[S.F.W.]

I intend to take this up further with the dealer next week. Getting angry and raising my voice on a busy Saturday is not the way to resolve the matter.
I did escalate to the service manager, but that went nowhere.

[Flagrum_3]

I intend to take this up further with the dealer next week. Getting angry and raising my voice on a busy Saturday is not the way to resolve the matter. I did escalate to the service manager, but that went nowhere.

I wasn't suggesting too blow your top LOL and I would not expect that from you anyways! but yeah, take it further and good luck Ami. :)

It just kills me when people don't own up to their mistakes, especially when the costs are high!


_3

[S.F.W.]

I wasn't suggesting too blow your top LOL and I would not expect that from you anyways! but yeah, take it further and good luck Ami. :)

It just kills me when people don't own up to their mistakes, especially when the costs are high!


_3

I know you weren't suggesting it, just wanted to make sure others understood my attitude.

[yearoftherat]

as far as I know, this part has only been changed 3 times (2 times officially)... if your car was produced before november of 04, it is using a very early style filter cover... a 1st revision was done from november 04 production, and as I stated above, sometime in late summer 06, it was unofficially changed again for the 2nd time.... if you have either of these early covers, I recommend you either change the cover to the new one or convert your filter over to the 2.0/2.5 one

So if I understand this correctly is that this affects 04 models that use the thinner filter cover? If this is an issue then how do you know if the next time you go for an oill change that they use the newer thicker cover?

[S.F.W.]

An update on my situation. I called Mazda Canada customer relations on Monday to file a complaint and open up a case. I received a response this morning, they said since it was not a warranty issue, Mazda Canada could not do much. However, they did escalate the issue within the dealership on my behalf. I should receive a call today from the service manager to try and find a solution.
We shall see.

[wikdslo]

Well I've taken the liberty of ordering 6 conversion kits after Rob and another member expressed intrest.

TM3 price $57.10 tax in for the parts only.

Kit includes:
-2.0 spin on filter
-2.0 filter housing
-Housing gasket

I picked one of these up from Joe yesterday and had my Mechanic put it on during my oil change.

Don't get me wrong, this reqiures 1 wratchet and 5 minutes of your time while doing an oil change, but seeing as to how I have Lubrico warranty and HAVE to get my oil changes done at a shop, I had to get him to do it.

Really not hard for anyone to do, as long as you are comfortable with how hard to tighten these bolts. After all, you don't want it to leak, nor do you want t okill the threads!

I'm all converted over now. No difference. Just peace of mind.

Thanks again Joe!

[Malcolm991]

An update on my situation. I called Mazda Canada customer relations on Monday to file a complaint and open up a case. I received a response this morning, they said since it was not a warranty issue, Mazda Canada could not do much. However, they did escalate the issue within the dealership on my behalf. I should receive a call today from the service manager to try and find a solution.
We shall see.

Did you stress the point that when you brought your car to them for an oil change, it didn't leak oil! They should at least cover half the cost!

[S.F.W.]

Another update on my situation. Spoke to the service manager at the dealer again today. We agreed to split the cost of the repair. As well, the dealership is going to have the engine bay cleaned for me. Going in on Wednesday to have it taken care of, and will post a final result. I am happy with the compromise.