2.3L engine longevity?

[TheAnswer_03]

I've heard about 2.3L engine failures due to oil consumption, is there a certain mileage where I should really start checking the oil daily? Or was this mostly an issue with 04-05 models?

I got an '07 GT 104,250 km. Are there many people with high mileage still on their original 2.3L?

[stevenma188]

DUDE!!!!! you know the 2.3L engines all die at 105k right? You might as well start looking for a new car. The connecting rods shatters from non-harmonic vibration due to the balance shaft assembly. Most people either end up with excessive oil consumption or a VANOS gear taking a shit. Just make sure you stay out of VTECCCCC and never EVER drive with the handbrake engaged.






































































































http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/78/Trollface.svg/200px-Trollface.svg.png


I'm at 240k on original motor (as far as I know). Still doesn't burn a drop of oil.

[Zuluwun]

^ lol, dick.

I bought my 07 at almost the identical mileage. The oil consumption issue everyone talks about is, more often than not, the PCV valve clogging. I'm getting mine replaced shortly (currently at 142k-ish km).

[aris]

My sister inlaws 08 has 220,000km and my brother changes it every 15,000km and the car does not go through any oil..

[Burner]

I'm at 200k now and still don't burn any oil.

[Impressive]

I'm at 200k now and still don't burn any oil.

This is exactly where I stand with my 2006 currently.

[Sparcas]

My 2007 is at 187,000. No oil burning, and very little noise. I change my oil every 5-6k w/ Castrol Syntec.

Other than that, i blew a front strut @ 100K...which was probably due to the horrendous roads in Rexdale ;)

[xxSlidewaysxx]

I'm @ 206,000 on my 09, the engine is good, the vibrations suck.........

[shu5892001]

My engine died at 120K, Amsoil ASL 5W30 every 5000 km. Did a balance shaft delete around 100K.

[Ozil]

Wow, you worry too much about your car....

[Cab0oze]

My engine died at 120K, Amsoil ASL 5W30 every 5000 km. Did a balance shaft delete around 100K.
For a second I wondered if the BSD could have been linked to the engine dying but on second thought I know people that had theirs off for way longer than that with zero issues (myself included). I suppose it could have been an existing problem that was aggravated by the BSD..

[shu5892001]

For a second I wondered if the BSD could have been linked to the engine dying but on second thought I know people that had theirs off for way longer than that with zero issues (myself included). I suppose it could have been an existing problem that was aggravated by the BSD..

I did track the car

[silverstarmazda]

04 mazda 3 with 180,xxxkm on the car. doesnt burn any oil but i do have a failed engine mount.. but they all do that at some point

[RedRaptor]

Original 2004 2.3L here, synthetic filled since 3000km, spin-on conversion done at 80,000km, 217,000km on the odometer.

Still running strong and doesn't burn any oil.

[stevenma188]

I did track the car

So do I. It's not a definite reason.

My belief is that if you DGAF about your car,it will never die. If you are waiting for it to die like me, it will last forever.
On the other hand, just because you worry about your car dieing all the time, doesn't make it last longer. Do the proper maintenance, and enjoy your car.

[TheMAN]

Original 2004 2.3L here, synthetic filled since 3000km, spin-on conversion done at 80,000km, 217,000km on the odometer.

Still running strong and doesn't burn any oil.

spin on conversion and synthetic at 5000km, oil cooler at 50000km
now at 85000km

[peterm15]

Not to hijack, I'm not having the problem.
But oil consumption is inevitable. One it has occurred, what steps can be taken to either stop it or slow the process.

[Reddie1337]

DUDE!!!!! you know the 2.3L engines all die at 105k right? You might as well start looking for a new car. The connecting rods shatters from non-harmonic vibration due to the balance shaft assembly. Most people either end up with excessive oil consumption or a VANOS gear taking a shit. Just make sure you stay out of VTECCCCC and never EVER drive with the handbrake engaged.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/78/Trollface.svg/200px-Trollface.svg.png


I'm at 240k on original motor (as far as I know). Still doesn't burn a drop of oil.

Nice troll Steve, I was going to say, your car is practically bullet proof. The only issue I have ever seen with a car like this, is if you don't do oil changes, the paper filter can disintegrate and be sucked into the motor, causing a failure.

[Zuluwun]

Not to hijack, I'm not having the problem.
But oil consumption is inevitable. One it has occurred, what steps can be taken to either stop it or slow the process.

Ever had your PCV valve changed? High mileage? - That's a possibility. In the meantime, be proactive about checking oil levels. I don't know of any reliable way of stopping/slowing oil consumption on the 2.3 apart from the PCV. Apparently, they're not prone to burning oil.

[fumoffu]

140,000 km with no oil burning.

Running Amsoil Signature Series 5w20 and 0w20 (winter)

[gabbygenier]

245000km still original engine. no issues with burning oil. and i drive the car, i sure dont baby it.

oil changes with conventional 5w20 every 5000kms

[Lucifer4311]

122k on my 07 2.3 doesn't burn any oil. I change it every 5000 ish with synthetic

[RedRaptor]

245000km still original engine. no issues with burning oil. and i drive the car, i sure dont baby it.

oil changes with conventional 5w20 every 5000kms

Have you ever changed your PCV Gab?

[gabbygenier]

engine wise ive changed my thermostat, the purge solenoid valve and one of the heater hoses. also rear and pass side motor mount if you consider those engine wise

[Zuluwun]

engine wise ive changed my thermostat, the purge solenoid valve and one of the heater hoses. also rear and pass side motor mount if you consider those engine wise

Interesting.. RR, have you had the PCV changed?

[RedRaptor]

Interesting.. RR, have you had the PCV changed?

No, I've never changed anything related to the engine yet.

[peterm15]

Ever had your PCV valve changed? High mileage? - That's a possibility. In the meantime, be proactive about checking oil levels. I don't know of any reliable way of stopping/slowing oil consumption on the 2.3 apart from the PCV. Apparently, they're not prone to burning oil.

Actually I'm in a 2.0. It was more a general question.
As it stands I have 163,481 km. at least since 72k km there has been nothing done other then routine. Oil Every 5k ish. 5w30. It works out to about once a month oil changes.

[midnightfxgt]

150K KM here.... Boosted around 100K.

Absolutely no issues burning oil. I can't seem to keep the gas tank full tho! :( lol

[TheAnswer_03]

Good info. I'm sure the 2.3L will last quite a while, but my 5-speed automatic is breaking down. :(

[asyed]

DUDE!!!!! you know the 2.3L engines all die at 105k right? You might as well start looking for a new car. The connecting rods shatters from non-harmonic vibration due to the balance shaft assembly. Most people either end up with excessive oil consumption or a VANOS gear taking a shit. Just make sure you stay out of VTECCCCC and never EVER drive with the handbrake engaged.






































































































http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/78/Trollface.svg/200px-Trollface.svg.png


I'm at 240k on original motor (as far as I know). Still doesn't burn a drop of oil.



this made by day..... thanks :P

[leungalv]

hmmm 2008 with 125,000km on it, so far so good ... no oil burning that I noticed

[Dave_The_BMXER]

04 with 190 thou. No issues.

[mprus]

I have a 2004 Mazda 3 2.3 L from the United states and it has 190,000 Miles and burns little oil. Not sure the conversion to KM, but still works like a beauty !!

[Impressive]

I have a 2004 Mazda 3 2.3 L from the United states and it has 190,000 Miles and burns little oil. Not sure the conversion to KM, but still works like a beauty !!

190,000 x 1.6 = 304,000km

Wow. Good to know my car will last a few more years :chuckle

[mazda72]

^^^Mazda reliability :)

[ferrarifan]

I have an '05 2.3 with 260000km. The only thing I've done on the car is change a motor mount. I change the oil every 10000km or so. It still runs great and my wife (it's her car) drives it like it's stolen since new. It does consume some oil and has for a very long time but I'm sure it's just the PCV that's causing it. I simply prefer to keep an eye on the dip stick and add some oil here and there rather than do the PITA job of replacing the PCV.

[Pokaroo Kris]

Mines an '08 with 85xxx ks on it. I do my regular maintenance. At the moment, I have no engine mods. As I was reading, I just went out to check. My dip stick says full. No really, it talked to me and said, "HEY I'M FULLY COVERED WITH OIL!" lol.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

2005, 2.3L, 5spd manual, 147,000km, PRM intake, German Castrol 0W-30 changed every 8K, doesn't burn oil.

[dentinger]

Highest I've seen is 300+km a few years ago on a 2.3 mazda6.
All highway kms though, the guy commuted from Burlington to Barrie almost every day.

[Krissypoo29]

Bump. Posted a thread about this. My concern also.

[aris]

Bump. Posted a thread about this. My concern also.

Did you bother to read this thread? How many people in this thread alone said they've had no issues? What about the other thread you started about the samething and everyone said the samething.

If your that worried maybe you should buy brand new... No matter what your taking chance when buying used because you don't know how well the car was matined.

[Jackal]

Did you bother to read this thread? How many people in this thread alone said they've had no issues? What about the other thread you started about the samething and everyone said the samething.

If your that worried maybe you should buy brand new... No matter what your taking chance when buying used because you don't know how well the car was matined.

Well I guess she could ask the dealer she's buying to see if it has been maintained by a dealership. I believe they can check this in their service records system. But true, one takes a chance with a used car. Stick to your 1998 Altima and buy when it gets too expensive to repair it.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

218k now.

[hex]

jesus. bumped a one year old thread just to make another one asking the same thing.

[JonsMazda]

106,000km

[gabbygenier]

I'm now at 280k kms.

[Krissypoo29]

Well I guess she could ask the dealer she's buying to see if it has been maintained by a dealership. I believe they can check this in their service records system. But true, one takes a chance with a used car. Stick to your 1998 Altima and buy when it gets too expensive to repair it.

The timing chain broke about 2 weeks ago. So that's not an option. Car was on it's way out anyways and repairs were simply not worth it for this one. Great little car though.

You know what, people bump threads all the time. I think it's good for other people who come on here wondering the same thing. Instead of the thread being buried it's on the first page where they can easily access information.

[Jenuine]

You know what, people bump threads all the time. I think it's good for other people who come on here wondering the same thing. Instead of the thread being buried it's on the first page where they can easily access information.

I think the issue was with you bumping an old thread AND creating a new thread about the exact same thing. If you were wondering the same thing as the OP in this thread, you would've read through it and gotten your answer.

[Krissypoo29]

I think the issue was with you bumping an old thread AND creating a new thread about the exact same thing. If you were wondering the same thing as the OP in this thread, you would've read through it and gotten your answer.

Yes but you can't get an answer from just a page and a half of posts. I actually was responding to the male/female who posted this and letting this person know I have the same concern. It wasn't directed at you guys.

Either way. I am not concerned with the issue anymore. I mean I am but my father will be inspecting the car and until then I won't worry about something that might not be there.

[Flagrum_3]

Either way. I am not concerned with the issue anymore. I mean I am but my father will be inspecting the car and until then I won't worry about something that might not be there.

First, all I have to say is I don't understand why people jump all over people on here and I'm not speaking just about your situation only. This happens all the time on here and I say...WHO THE **** CARES!...Start a new thread, rehash an old thread, who cares. This is a DISCUSSION forum, I don't give a shit how many threads are on the same subject personally and don't understand why it should bother anyone else!. Anyways for the topic at hand; Kriss, there are several things your dad can check, if he takes his time and puts in a good effort, that can completely alleviate your worries' about whether the engine is good or not. Everything from just listening closely to the engine too checking the oil for filings, and several things in between....Good luck.


_3

[coriolis]

My 04 was traded in with 240,000 km. The engine was fine, the body rust not so much.

[Krissypoo29]

First, all I have to say is I don't understand why people jump all over people on here and I'm not speaking just about your situation only. This happens all the time on here and I say...WHO THE **** CARES!...Start a new thread, rehash an old thread, who cares. This is a DISCUSSION forum, I don't give a shit how many threads are on the same subject personally and don't understand why it should bother anyone else!. Anyways for the topic at hand; Kriss, there are several things your dad can check, if he takes his time and puts in a good effort, that can completely alleviate your worries' about whether the engine is good or not. Everything from just listening closely to the engine too checking the oil for filings, and several things in between....Good luck.


_3

Thanks. I feel the same way actually. I know I posted many threads but it shouldn't matter because I am just doing research. Either way it's all good. I'm not complaining. I just talked to the dealer and asked him if it would be alright if my dad takes it to his garage and does a quick inspection. It seemed he didn't like that idea. He immediately pointed out that he can take it to his mechanic and get it checked out. I then proceeded to tell him that I would feel better my dad doing it. He said ok. Then he also pointed out that he doesn't like the idea because he doesn't want to be liable if anything happened to my dad while looking at the car. I told him not to worry and that my dad has 30+ years under his belt and he knows what he is doing. This guy seemed to be trying to get out of it somehow. Maybe he's scared we will find something, or it could be he knows something about the car he doesn't want us to find out. I seriously hate car shopping :/


My 04 was traded in with 240,000 km. The engine was fine, the body rust not so much.

The one I'm looking at surprisingly doesn't have rust in those troublesome areas which is a plus.

[Jackal]

Thanks. I feel the same way actually. I know I posted many threads but it shouldn't matter because I am just doing research. Either way it's all good. I'm not complaining. I just talked to the dealer and asked him if it would be alright if my dad takes it to his garage and does a quick inspection. It seemed he didn't like that idea. He immediately pointed out that he can take it to his mechanic and get it checked out. I then proceeded to tell him that I would feel better my dad doing it. He said ok. Then he also pointed out that he doesn't like the idea because he doesn't want to be liable if anything happened to my dad while looking at the car. I told him not to worry and that my dad has 30+ years under his belt and he knows what he is doing. This guy seemed to be trying to get out of it somehow. Maybe he's scared we will find something, or it could be he knows something about the car he doesn't want us to find out. I seriously hate car shopping :/

Your neurosis and paranoia is coming out again. Lol.

[Krissypoo29]

[/B]

Your neurosis and paranoia is coming out again. Lol.

I would have to disagree with you on this one. Yes I can be a little paranoid but when a dealer doesn't sound like he wants another mechanic to look at it, that's sounds a little fishy to me. Why wouldn't he? If he had nothing to hide he would of said "sure absolutely!!"

I'm thinking either the oil might be burnt or he hid a CEL code. Who knows but my dad will be able to find out any of those things.

[Flagrum_3]

I would have to disagree with you on this one. Yes I can be a little paranoid but when a dealer doesn't sound like he wants another mechanic to look at it, that's sounds a little fishy to me. Why wouldn't he? If he had nothing to hide he would of said "sure absolutely!!"

The dealer is definitely worried about something or he would not have an issue with it AT ALL....Worried about being liable? ...LOL. I would check this thing out with a fine tooth comb before making the purchase. Also just because you don't see any rust in the prone areas means little, it could have been repaired by the dealer for the sale. Check those areas out well with a strong flashlight while up on a hoist just to be sure. That's what I would do.

_3

[Krissypoo29]

Yah exactly right? I know I'm not being paranoid. My dad already looked at the rust. He said there were minor spots that they did cover up but not a big deal. Wouldn't hurt to look again. Ugh why do people have to be sketchy? I know I wouldn't feel good selling a car that has issues to someone with a clear conscious. I really wanted this car too but if he gives me a hard time that's it, I walk.

Yah liable for what, really. Like the car falling on my dad? He's been doing this for years and years give me a break.

[sarujo]

Just buy a 2014 and be done with this thread! :chuckle

[Krissypoo29]

Oh yes I have 18,000 just sitting around. We'll actually I do but I'm not blowing all of it on a car. I have other things I need to pay for.

[sarujo]

2013's at 0% financing. Pay now or pay later....a new car means better gas mileage and will last a hell of a lot longer than an old 2.3L rig...

[Krissypoo29]

I would but my credit is bad and I don't have a job in my field yet.

So my dad can't look at the car until Friday. To let this guy know I am serious I we give him a $100 deposit tomorrow and tell him that if the car doesn't work out, keep the $100 and of it does then I will pay him cash that same day. Yes sound a little messed up why I would let him keep $100? It may be but if this car doesn't work out I will buy one for cheaper-maybe not a mazda and the $100 I could care less about. I have about $20,000 with a $5-6000 budget for a car.

The only reason why I am going to proposition him this is because I have a feeling he is going to lie to me and say that he sold the vehicle come Friday. Primarily because he doesn't like the idea of my dad looking at it, for whatever reason.

I think he doesn't want to because he thinks I will nit pick at the very minor issues and ask him for money off.

I have a good feeling the car will check out. The $100 is just to shut him up.

[JonsMazda]

I have a good feeling the car will check out. The $100 is just to shut him up.

Give me $100 and I'll shut up :D lol

Good luck on purchasing your car though.

[Krissypoo29]

Lol thanks.

[loki]

So my dad can't look at the car until Friday. To let this guy know I am serious I we give him a $100 deposit tomorrow and tell him that if the car doesn't work out, keep the $100 and of it does then I will pay him cash that same day. Yes sound a little messed up why I would let him keep $100? It may be but if this car doesn't work out I will buy one for cheaper-maybe not a mazda and the $100 I could care less about. I have about $20,000 with a $5-6000 budget for a car.

The only reason why I am going to proposition him this is because I have a feeling he is going to lie to me and say that he sold the vehicle come Friday. Primarily because he doesn't like the idea of my dad looking at it, for whatever reason.

Solid logic

[Krissypoo29]

Solid logic

Sarcastic?

[Jackal]

Oh yes I have 18,000 just sitting around. We'll actually I do but I'm not blowing all of it on a car. I have other things I need to pay for.


I would but my credit is bad and I don't have a job in my field yet.

So my dad can't look at the car until Friday. To let this guy know I am serious I we give him a $100 deposit tomorrow and tell him that if the car doesn't work out, keep the $100 and of it does then I will pay him cash that same day. Yes sound a little messed up why I would let him keep $100? It may be but if this car doesn't work out I will buy one for cheaper-maybe not a mazda and the $100 I could care less about. I have about $20,000 with a $5-6000 budget for a car.

The only reason why I am going to proposition him this is because I have a feeling he is going to lie to me and say that he sold the vehicle come Friday. Primarily because he doesn't like the idea of my dad looking at it, for whatever reason.

I think he doesn't want to because he thinks I will nit pick at the very minor issues and ask him for money off.

I have a good feeling the car will check out. The $100 is just to shut him up.

Which one is it 18 or 20K?
Good luck with the $100 strategy. Way to shut him up.

[Krissypoo29]

Which one is it 18 or 20K?
Good luck with the $100 strategy. Way to shut him up.

I have 20K. And thanks. I think it might be the best way in this case. I really want the car and he really wants to make a sale. It's a proposition to make us both happy.

[mazda72]

I have 20K. And thanks. I think it might be the best way in this case. I really want the car and he really wants to make a sale. It's a proposition to make us both happy.

dealer seems nervous lol, i hope your dad doesnt find any serious problems. good luck!

[Krissypoo29]

dealer seems nervous lol, i hope your dad doesnt find any serious problems. good luck!

You and me both.

Thanks

[Krissypoo29]

So an update. He accepted the 100-of course. He's going to let my dad look at it. But he's gonna get it certified and charge me what they charge him. Wondering if it's just safer to get my dad to do it. You never know if he will throw in some extra costs. My dad was going to so it but he doesn't have the time he used to have since he has 2 jobs now. Yes I am very wary of dealers. They aren't honest people.


So an update. He accepted the 100-of course. He's going to let my dad look at it. But he's gonna get it certified and charge me what they charge him. Wondering if it's just safer to get my dad to do it. You never know if he will throw in some extra costs. My dad was going to so it but he doesn't have the time he used to have since he has 2 jobs now. Yes I am very wary of dealers. They aren't honest people.

*do

[midnightfxgt]

Any licensed mechanic can safety it for you.

[Krissypoo29]

Dads gonna do it. Hope I don't find any check engine codes that were hidden. And come Friday I won't be troubling you guys lol I will have either boughten the car or given it up.

[Mkuhlberg]

For a second I wondered if the BSD could have been linked to the engine dying but on second thought I know people that had theirs off for way longer than that with zero issues (myself included). I suppose it could have been an existing problem that was aggravated by the BSD..

Since you've already taken out your BSD is it worth doing? Ie. Do you notice any better performance out of it, and are the risks of removing it small enough that it's worthwhile? My 2.3 has 174,000 on it and runs perfectly at the moment, quiet and doesn't use a drop of oil.

[TheAnswer_03]

At 113,500km now since my original post. Engine still runs good, but like others said, rust is the main concern. I've got rust in both wheel wells. Not happy. :(

[RedRaptor]

280,000+km now on my original 2.3L. Timing Chain cover and manifold valve cover needs work as there is a leak.

[Jackal]

280,000+km now on my original 2.3L. Timing Chain cover and manifold valve cover needs work as there is a leak.

Amazing!! Hoping mine lasts as long.

[soccerboy1491]

Amazing!! Hoping mine lasts as long.

Believe in it! ;)

[aris]

My sister in laws 08 has over 270,000km

[Cab0oze]

Since you've already taken out your BSD is it worth doing? Ie. Do you notice any better performance out of it, and are the risks of removing it small enough that it's worthwhile? My 2.3 has 174,000 on it and runs perfectly at the moment, quiet and doesn't use a drop of oil.Not worth it if you ask me. Performance gains weren't noticeable unlike the vibrations in the rear view mirror that certainly were. I also snapped a bolt during oil pan reinstallation which added a certain amount of stress.