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Engine going south

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Old 05-13-2014, 08:27 PM
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Engine going south

Been having some rough idle. Not bad but enough to think coils, wires and plugs. They have about 14k on them. So I bought them myself and took them in. Two coils bad per Mazda. So I replaced them all, wires and plugs too. Didn't want to go back in 4 months when they fouled.

Also been having problems starting when hot, especially when using AC. In a minute or two its starts right up. Happened four or five times.

Had compression test due to this, numbers are Rotor 1 5.7/6.1/5.7 Rotor 2 5.8/5.8/5.5. No other numbers on print out. When I asked they said "Typically 250 rpm". Typically, but who knows. Not them I suspect.

Coils fixed idle. Still with hot start problems. Are you guys in agreement the motor is on its way out? My understanding from here mostly is that 5s are marginal passing. They did say, those aren't great numbers but they pass. So I'm thinking could last 1 year, could last 2 months, who knows.

Its a 2005. On second engine. This one has about 35K on it. Its worth 6,500 to 7K. Rebuild engine pushing 5K for engine and install. Its 9 years old. Needs tires soon too. May be time to move on. I'm sick.
Old 05-13-2014, 08:36 PM
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6.9 at 250rpm at sea level is the failing line.

5.8/5.7 is WELL under failing. Again, assuming 250rpm.

If you are near sea level, your engine is just barely passing if your starter is nearly dead and only turning ~190rpm. Every 1,000ft, add about 10-15rpm to that minimum mark (to be a barely passing engine)
Old 05-13-2014, 09:15 PM
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So in WV I'm at best barely passing. It would be nice to get an answer I could be confident in from the dealership about their test parameters. I suspect with your information the engine is at best, quite weak. Thanks for your help.
Old 05-13-2014, 11:04 PM
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Originally Posted by jtmhjh
I'm thinking could last 1 year, could last 2 months, who knows.
Compression doesn't just drop off suddenly or "die" if you will. If you have low compression, which from the numbers provided seems like you do, the symptoms will continue to get worse and worse.

When I had low compression I would try to plan a trip around it. Have to stop in the store for something? Leave the engine running for 10 minutes will you run inside. I understand this can be annoying but it works in the meantime. I ran mine for over a year in such a fashion and it was fine, just requires some patience. Just hope you dont stall it
Old 05-14-2014, 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Chrishoky
Compression doesn't just drop off suddenly or "die" if you will. If you have low compression, which from the numbers provided seems like you do, the symptoms will continue to get worse and worse.

When I had low compression I would try to plan a trip around it. Have to stop in the store for something? Leave the engine running for 10 minutes will you run inside. I understand this can be annoying but it works in the meantime. I ran mine for over a year in such a fashion and it was fine, just requires some patience. Just hope you dont stall it
That was my experience with my first engine. If I had to stop and get gas, I had to sit there 10 minutes until the engine cooled enough it would start again. Its beginning again and worsening.
Old 05-14-2014, 03:52 PM
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If I had to fill up I just left the car running
Old 05-15-2014, 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Chrishoky
If I had to fill up I just left the car running

Did you rub a balloon on your head while you did that?

Its done. Traded it in. Got a 6. Its nice I guess. Part of my soul is with that 8 sitting down there on that lot (IN THE RAIN!!!!) Pretty sad today.
Old 05-15-2014, 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by jtmhjh
Did you rub a balloon on your head while you did that?

Its done. Traded it in. Got a 6. Its nice I guess. Part of my soul is with that 8 sitting down there on that lot (IN THE RAIN!!!!) Pretty sad today.
Sorry Dude
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