What could they have possibly done?
 

I'm looking for suggestions since I don't trust the dealer anymore and the answers they spew... :mad:

Background:
Went in for an oil change. Dealer reported that I was to get the latest flash (Oct 04 - I think before it was halted). :cool:
When I got the car back, a burning plastic/brake-like smell now comes from the exhaust. When I told him they asked me to bring it in like they knew what it was. Then after they were to have fixed it, they said it was a leak in the coolant that was causing the smell. :eek: :mad:

Well guess, what, it still smells. It is stored for the most part now (but it does get "exercised" when it is dry out. :p

What could they have done to have caused this? :confused: :mad: :eek:

During the oil change the filter will spill some oil in small crevices near the filter mount. Those careless morons didn't wipe the mess up for you. There should not have been any kind of contact with the cooling system as it is mostly on the passenger side of the car. Lift your hood and engine cover. Near the driver's side firewall you'll see the filter ass'y. Take a rag and wipe up the area around it to get all the oil off the engine. Maybe climb under the car and wipe the oil pan, as well. It should be noted that most of the time the oil changes are performed by a high school kid or recent tech school grad who doesn't know a damned thing about cars yet. They haven't learned to keep things clean, either.

CRH

For my service, I have requested that only the Mazda Master Mechanic work on my car. He has been trained and is Mazdaspeed certified also.

Try setting this up with your dealer - they should work with you on this if they want to keep your service work.

Each mechanic has their own Tech Number. Keep an eye on your statements to watch for the same tech to work on your car. It also doesn't hurt to slap a dead president in their hands when no one is looking. :)

Good points, Nem. Problem is, thanks to this forum I seem to know more about the 8 than even the specialist at my dealer. What kind of experience do you have with your dealer?

CRH

To not stray to far off topic,

I have a good working relationship with the master tech. I go buy every now and then just to chew the fat with him. He is very knowledable about the rotary, and has been involved with rotaries for quite some time. Hell, he's even been to Garland, Texas!

I also have a non dealer personal mechanic that used to work for Atkins Rotary that I give work to. He does my mods that requires a lift. He has lots a race engine building under his belt, and left on good terms from Atkins.

So I initially let the dealership know that I have this personal rotary mechanic that I couild always get a second opinion from if needed. Keeps them very honest.

I will say this though, I know of two 8 owners that have not had a good experience there. But it turns out that one did not know that the rotary required oil, and he let his engine seize up, and the other has gone through two trannies and three clutches so far. I'll let you draw your own conclusions from what he is doing to the car. ;)

If you wouldn't mind, the next time you go by, could you ask him about my situation. ;) I share Charles' opinion that I seem to learn/know more than the Mazda Service guys by participating on this forum.
Thanks.

I have chosen to spend my time communicating on this forum with others rather than educate Mazda's own mechanics for them.

CRH