On start-up after car has been sitting for a while I get a blinking CEL and the motor stutters and coughs for a minute while white, sweet smelling smoke comes out of exhaust. Seems to clear up and then runs great after a minute. Car is using (NOT leaking) coolant and I have filled it many times.

I assumed engine seal is leaking letting coolant into combustion chamber and I need another new engine.

Took to dealership at 99,800 miles and they "could not duplicate problem" and said CEL was from bad coil on #1. They claimed to perform a pressure test and it came back "perfect". Said I needed new coils on #1 and the coolant cap was leaking.

Ordered 4 new OEM coils, plugs, and wires as well as a friggin $35 coolant cap from dealership. Replaced all and went on vacation from Michigan to Nevada and back...still same problems.

Now car has over 100k and still has issues, which I fear is a dying motor.

Any comment on what the problem might be, and how I approach the dealerhip now?????

Thanks!

 

I just had very similar symptoms and it was a failing coolant seal. But it only happened when the engine was cold. I am at 126,000 so i just got this

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9krpmrx8/6100473940/http://www.flickr.com/photos/9krpmrx8/6099928767/

 

they need to replicate the issue.
Sounds like the ol' "we couldn't duplicate, but we found ____ to be an issue"

 

9k, That is a pretty, pretty site...I hate to ask how much you had to pay for that sucker! Soldier, excellent point, I will request they do the compression test when the motor is COLD. Thanks!

 

So, dealership calls today and says "yep, motor bad, you need a new one. But, Mazda is very firm on the 100,000 miles and you are over so no warranty coverage" NOW WHAT!!! They strung me out till I ran out of warranty and now they are trying to screw me! Any suggestions, or excellent numbers to call at Mazda???

 

It wasn't too bad, just under $4k. They can't/shouldn't do a compression test on a cold motor.

I would ask for the compression test results from the test that was performed before you ran out of warranty. No extended warranty?