With any luck, I should get my 04 back this week with its new engine. What things should I be on the lookout for after this major surgery. Obviously, there's a chance of various fluid leaks, but what else?

Thanks for the insight.

 

nothing.

Just change your oil every 3-4 K i'll be ok.

Well actually, you should just pray that the reman you got from Mazda is good, and the tech who changed it out has the skills to do so.

 

Better yet, have them run a compression test on the replacement before you drive it out of the shop. Hopefully the numbers are good and you'll have a valid baseline to monitor engine wear against. If not, you have data to justify not taking possession until the situation is properly rectified. If the dealer won't do this, or if you don't trust them to give you valid results, take it to another dealer and have it compression tested there immediately before you get too many miles on the reman motor.

 

Good call - I was just thinking of that this morning. I'll see what I can do.

 

Does the dealer have to pay for the compression check?

 

Mine didn't on my first motor replacement. They were happy to validate the viability of the motor they had installed.

 

They probably won't do anything if I don't ask, but I will. I'm sure Mazda will try to keep me happy, so I am sure they will reimburse the dealer for the test. (They may need my customer service lecture, but I can gladly provide that!)

 

just a question for the replacement guys and girls.i am coming up on 48,500 with all recalls done and no problems in sight for the moment on my o4 6sp. hitting that red line once aday or more .no flooding,changing the oil every 3,500 plus the filter.and i don't let the dealer touch it unless it's a wro problem or replacement.the question is what miles where on the car at time of replacement?got mine new with 32 miles on it.

 

haha, good one