Free engine replacement for my '04
#1
2004 Silver RX-8 Sport MT
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Seattle
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Free engine replacement for my '04
Every time I bring my 39K mi '04 into the dealership garage, I bring a case of beer with me. I'm pretty glad too! After noticing a loss of power at low RPM I brought my car in... and they're replacing the engine free! I guess the factory extended the warranty and my shop is nice enough to me that they'll recommend and do the work. They're not sure if it's a seal or what so they're replacing the whole thing.
They're recommending I replace my not-very-old coils and spark plugs, plus maybe my clutch as they'd only charge me for parts. What are your thoughts? It seems like it'd be worthwhile to save the labour costs, though it could be $1100 all told.
I've never had an engine replacement for any car, this is new to me. Is there anything else you recommend I have them do at the same time? Anything I should ask them to look for? Any Mazdaspeed upgrades to consider adding since they have the engine out anyway? Should I baby it for a couple thousand miles like it was a new car?
Last, I think I'll ask them if I can have the old motor... is that allowed for them to do? It'd make a pretty cool end table.
I really appreciate your input, this is a big deal and I'm not sure how to proceed.
They're recommending I replace my not-very-old coils and spark plugs, plus maybe my clutch as they'd only charge me for parts. What are your thoughts? It seems like it'd be worthwhile to save the labour costs, though it could be $1100 all told.
I've never had an engine replacement for any car, this is new to me. Is there anything else you recommend I have them do at the same time? Anything I should ask them to look for? Any Mazdaspeed upgrades to consider adding since they have the engine out anyway? Should I baby it for a couple thousand miles like it was a new car?
Last, I think I'll ask them if I can have the old motor... is that allowed for them to do? It'd make a pretty cool end table.
I really appreciate your input, this is a big deal and I'm not sure how to proceed.
#4
2004 Silver RX-8 Sport MT
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Seattle
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the tip about the engine. I made two threads because I mean for one to be about our local dealership. I mean for the other to be about the process of getting an engine replaced. That's why the content of the posts is somewhat different.
#7
I HATE SPEEDBUMPS!
You could try, but I think they will keep it to rebuild it again. If they gave it to you (maybe and good luck), I think it would be a pretty cool end table...lol
#8
Registered
iTrader: (4)
My clutch is fine with 80,000+ miles on it. The clutch will naturally turn blue and dealers will point to that as the clutch being burnt, while it is still fine.
#9
Registered
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Montreal, QC
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok first of all you dont need to replace your clutch "just in case" Your clutch is fine for the life of the car depending on your driving style.
I would do the coils, plugs, wires. However, I would order them from ebay or mazmart. You can get oem mazda parts for 320$ delivered to your door. Install them yourself in 1 hour and you save 800$. You just need a 10mm socket wrench with extension. Of course you dont want a poor ignition on a new engine. I got mine replaced last month and had my spare parts. The day I got the car back I changed them. HUGE difference.
For your new engine make sure they dont reuse the same fuel line or at least make them secure it properly. Mine blew off and I stalled on the highway. Risk of fire and damage to the engine.
For the break in procedure follow the mazmart:
- first 1000km (600miles) dont go above 4000rpm, dont go WOT, dont cruise at the same speed.
-1000-1200km (725 miles) : max of 5000rpm, dont go WOT, vary your speed
-1200-1400km (850 miles): max of 6000rpm etc etc
-1400-1600km (975 miles): max of 7000rpm etc etc
-1600-1800km (1100miles) max of 8000rpm
-1800-2000km (1225 miles): max of 9000rpm
After that, drive it like you stole it. I lost patience at 1000 miles and went all out.
I would do the coils, plugs, wires. However, I would order them from ebay or mazmart. You can get oem mazda parts for 320$ delivered to your door. Install them yourself in 1 hour and you save 800$. You just need a 10mm socket wrench with extension. Of course you dont want a poor ignition on a new engine. I got mine replaced last month and had my spare parts. The day I got the car back I changed them. HUGE difference.
For your new engine make sure they dont reuse the same fuel line or at least make them secure it properly. Mine blew off and I stalled on the highway. Risk of fire and damage to the engine.
For the break in procedure follow the mazmart:
- first 1000km (600miles) dont go above 4000rpm, dont go WOT, dont cruise at the same speed.
-1000-1200km (725 miles) : max of 5000rpm, dont go WOT, vary your speed
-1200-1400km (850 miles): max of 6000rpm etc etc
-1400-1600km (975 miles): max of 7000rpm etc etc
-1600-1800km (1100miles) max of 8000rpm
-1800-2000km (1225 miles): max of 9000rpm
After that, drive it like you stole it. I lost patience at 1000 miles and went all out.
#10
Registered
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 0
Received 240 Likes
on
110 Posts
He may not need to replace the clutch, but it is inaccurate to say that the clutch is fine for the life of the car. It IS a wear item. You can not help but to put wear on it when starting from stopped, even if you never wear it any other time. Eventually, this will indeed leave too little friction material left.
#13
2004 Silver RX-8 Sport MT
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Seattle
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I still had power issues and turns out there was a little plastic piece that converts one oil hose into four for the four compression chambers; and that plastic piece had a crack so it wasn't getting suction. Replace that, and suddenly I have power again. I wonder if the engine was a free waste.
#17
05 RX8 Sold///05 Evo VIII
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: New Berlin, WI
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
- Spark Plugs
- Spark Plug wires
- Ignition Coils
- Catalytic Converter
- Compression (Test)
- PID List - MAF gm/sec, misfires, etc.
- Fuel pressure
- Vacuum leak
There's guessing, then there's diagnosing. Sounds like a bad case of the parts shotgun.
OP it was a vacuum leak from an oil injection hose? Or a cracked fuel rail insulator??
Confusing info here.
Last edited by viprez586; 02-18-2013 at 12:28 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post