Mazda3i, 2.0 engine, Oil Level Issues
#61
03-18-2007 | 03:02 PM
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RE: Oil Level Issues -pics to prove it
Yeah, I finally decided to dump my age old technique of just checking the oil before I drive it and switch to the "pull/wipe/re-dip" technique they use at service stations.
Still have no idea where the extra oil comes from on the second pull, but by now, all I give a rat's *** about is getting a good reading so the engine doesn't get trashed by over filling or oil starvation in a turn.
Still have no idea where the extra oil comes from on the second pull, but by now, all I give a rat's *** about is getting a good reading so the engine doesn't get trashed by over filling or oil starvation in a turn.
#62
04-06-2012 | 08:56 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 281
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So, I went to the Mazda dealer today, had them pull a dipstick out of a Mazda 3 on the lot, and compared it to mine. They were identical, so I am now convinced my dipstick is OK.
The tech told me that the 4.5 quart capacity listed for the M3 is the "bone dry fill" capacity they use when they first fill the engine at the factory. This is more oil than the engine needs for oil changes, as the engine is NOT bone dry ever again. Even if you let it drain for an hour, it would not be bone dry. He said to put 4.25 quarts in with a filter change. Based on this, I wouldrecommend owners tell their oil change people to put in 4.25 quarts (at least for the 2.0 engine).
I went back to the oil change place, and they fixed it. They actually drained out all the oil, and refilled it - kudos to them for caring enough to do this! I guess it helped that I didn't go in there all angry and full of profanity. The oil level is now "full" per the line on the dipstick. I feel much better.
The oil change place'scomputer system strangely said to put in 4.6 quarts ... where did THAT number come from?
Another thing the tech at the Mazda dealership told me was that, effective the 2006 engine, they changed the dipstick - notjust physically, but also where exactly in the engine it resides -because so many owners of 2005 and previous year vehicles had issues with the accuracy of the dipstick reading. He showed me a 2004, and the dipstick is placed VERY differently in the engine. FYI. Sorry, it sounds like some of you might have a bum dipstick.
The tech told me that the 4.5 quart capacity listed for the M3 is the "bone dry fill" capacity they use when they first fill the engine at the factory. This is more oil than the engine needs for oil changes, as the engine is NOT bone dry ever again. Even if you let it drain for an hour, it would not be bone dry. He said to put 4.25 quarts in with a filter change. Based on this, I wouldrecommend owners tell their oil change people to put in 4.25 quarts (at least for the 2.0 engine).
I went back to the oil change place, and they fixed it. They actually drained out all the oil, and refilled it - kudos to them for caring enough to do this! I guess it helped that I didn't go in there all angry and full of profanity. The oil level is now "full" per the line on the dipstick. I feel much better.
The oil change place'scomputer system strangely said to put in 4.6 quarts ... where did THAT number come from?
Another thing the tech at the Mazda dealership told me was that, effective the 2006 engine, they changed the dipstick - notjust physically, but also where exactly in the engine it resides -because so many owners of 2005 and previous year vehicles had issues with the accuracy of the dipstick reading. He showed me a 2004, and the dipstick is placed VERY differently in the engine. FYI. Sorry, it sounds like some of you might have a bum dipstick.
I also checked all MAZDA publication, and owner's manuals from 2004 to 2012, all listed MZR2.0L oil capacity (w/ filter change) as 4.5 quart.
I don't know what to belive, but inclined to believe that 4.5 quarts is correct. If you insert the dipstick not completely, but stop at the rubber o-ring when it touches the tube, it seems to be consistent with the oil capacity. so I believe the dipstick is cut to the wrong length.
#63
04-06-2012 | 09:22 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,726
From: southern New Hampshire
A few comments:
- I use an oil extractor to "drain" my oil via the dipstick tube
- Even with the dinky OEM sized oil filter I found my 2009 Mazda3 i (2.0 liter engine) required in excess of 4.5 quarts to bring the oil level up to the top hash mark on the dipstick.
- Given that I've moved to a larger oil filter for my car I find that now need exactly 5.0 quarts to bring the oil level up to "Full"
#64
04-08-2012 | 09:50 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 281
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A few comments:
- I use an oil extractor to "drain" my oil via the dipstick tube
- Even with the dinky OEM sized oil filter I found my 2009 Mazda3 i (2.0 liter engine) required in excess of 4.5 quarts to bring the oil level up to the top hash mark on the dipstick.
- Given that I've moved to a larger oil filter for my car I find that now need exactly 5.0 quarts to bring the oil level up to "Full"
Another question: how much do you get out by using the extractor, do you believe you'd get out more that draining from the drain plug?
Final question: what over sized oil filter do you use? Motorcraft Fl-400S?
#65
04-09-2012 | 04:53 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,726
From: southern New Hampshire
do you have the blade type dipstick on your 2009 MZ3i 2.0L engine? I ask because you mentioed "hash mark". Mine is a 2007 3i, with a steel cable and bob an the end without any hash marks.
Another question: how much do you get out by using the extractor, do you believe you'd get out more that draining from the drain plug?
Final question: what over sized oil filter do you use? Motorcraft Fl-400S?
Another question: how much do you get out by using the extractor, do you believe you'd get out more that draining from the drain plug?
Final question: what over sized oil filter do you use? Motorcraft Fl-400S?
In my experience, I probably extract a few drops less oil, but considerable more sediment from the bottom of the pan or sump versus using the drain plug.
Regarding the filter, I'll need to look up the Motorcraft cross reference; I will get back to you on this one.
#67
04-09-2012 | 09:51 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 281
From:
Yes, my 2.0 MZR uses a twisted steel cable with a couple of plastic bobs on it; I used the term "hash mark" as a generic to indicate the upper limit of the fill zone.
In my experience, I probably extract a few drops less oil, but considerable more sediment from the bottom of the pan or sump versus using the drain plug.
Regarding the filter, I'll need to look up the Motorcraft cross reference; I will get back to you on this one.
In my experience, I probably extract a few drops less oil, but considerable more sediment from the bottom of the pan or sump versus using the drain plug.
Regarding the filter, I'll need to look up the Motorcraft cross reference; I will get back to you on this one.
#68
04-09-2012 | 09:53 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 281
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I would like to try your super-sized NAPA Gold 1085.
#69
04-09-2012 | 09:59 AM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,666
From: Manor, TX (Outside of Austin)
And as a bonus, the NAPA Golds are made by WIX (exact same filter/different color,) my personal filter choice, but they may be a little more expensive than the WIX equivilent.
*edit* FYI: WIX lists their oil filter for the 2.0L as 51348 (NAPA Gold 1348) which is 3.404" tall x 2.92" Dia.
http://www.wixfilters.com/filterlook...&TempYear=2004
The 1085, or 51085 in a WIX part # is 3.79" tall X 3.66" Dia.
http://www.fleetfilter.com/mm5/merch...Category_Code=
Last edited by virgin1; 04-09-2012 at 10:19 AM.
#70
04-09-2012 | 10:04 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,726
From: southern New Hampshire
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