Mazda 6 question

[JPSmit]

Took the car in for an oil change today. Reputable (i think) place and they said the oil pan gasket was failing. Certainly there was oil around the bottom of the engine but i've never heard of this. Thoughts?

Oh and it wasn't recent oil so they weren't just sloppy.

 

[NutmegCT]

Well, makes sense to me. I've seen that happen a few times, tho' not on my Mazda Protege fortunately.

Any other possible leak source? Drain plug and/or plug washer?

Tom

 

[aerog]

Like Tom said - it happens. You might try checking/tightening the bolts on the pan too, if you can get to them.

A couple of Mazda-related forums about it are here and here.

The 2nd forum topic kind of puzzled me though: take the <span style="font-style: italic">bumper off</span>? Unbolting the exhaust? Holy cow! These are the times that RWD sounds a lot better, unfortunately.

 

[tr8todd]

If the Mazda 6 is similar to the 626, then it doesn't have a pan gasket. Ford took to glueing the pans on their engines years ago. Better check to see if the pan is rotted. I had to replace the pan on my wife's Mazda 626 after only 6 years. One layer of cheap black paint is all that protected the pan. Kind of reminded me of the paint you get on a new header that quickly disappears. Removing the pan was extremely difficult because of the brown glue. By the time I was done, the old pan was sliced into at least a dozen pieces. If it is glued, you won't get it off in one piece. The new pan was around $125 from the dealer. They do sell pan gaskets, but the dealer said not to use them. He said I should glue the pan on again. Yea right! I used the gasket and some RTV.

 

[JPSmit]

They did say they had to drop the exhaust. Would an engine additive like barsleak (not sure if they are just rads) help?

 

[elrey]

I wouldn't use Barsleak for this. Barsleak is not an effective exhaust remover. I suggest Mechanic in a Can. Or... simply drain all loose oil and refill with Sluggo's Solid Oil Sticks.

 

[aeronca65t]

The question in my mind is, "How much oil are you losing?".

If it's only a tiny amount between changes, I'd monitor it and leave it alone.
And, as suggested, it might not hurt to tighten the pan bolts a little bit.

After all, you *are* a British car owner.
I'm sure there are many British car owners who would be delighted if their LBC only lost a tiny amount of oil over several months. :laugh:

 

[NutmegCT]

The question in my mind is, "How much oil are you losing?".

If it's only a tiny amount between changes, I'd monitor it and leave it alone.
And, as suggested, it might not hurt to tighten the pan bolts a little bit.

After all, you *are* a British car owner.
I'm sure there are many British car owners who would be delighted if their LBC only lost a tiny amount of oil over several months. :laugh:

My thoughts exactly. As my dad used to say, buying a quart of oil every month is a lot cheaper and easier than an engine repair.

Tom

 

[JPSmit]

Words to live by. Thanks for that.

 

[elrey]

Smart fellas these. Like having our own Kings Solomon at our fingertips.