Dear Sajeev,
A recent post on the CX-9 users forum (at www.mazdas247.com) caught my eye. An stalwart owner tore down his 3.5 (Ford) engine to clean up a sludging problem and broke a rod bolt in the process. He then discovered much to his dismay that replacement rod bolts are not considered “serviceable parts” by Mazda. In fact, it turns out that most of the internal engine components you would want to replace in a rebuild are not available from Mazda. (This is true for both the 3.5 and the more recent 3.7 litre versions.) Unavailable items include pistons, rings, bearings, etc. Searching on-line one can find the typical factory exploded parts diagrams with all these internal components listed, but in lieu of part numbers there is the notation, “This part is not serviced.” (Here’s an example) (Read More…)
Categories:
Tag: throwaway motor
Ted writes:
Sajeev,
Here’s what I got: 2002 Saturn L200 156000 miles bought new. Excellent car no problems whatsoever, maintained precisely. Question about timing chain scuttlebutt. Should I change it preventatively , switch to synthetic oil, or just do not worry about? (Read More…)



Recent Comments
Ron B. - it’s ironic, the founding of the South African Communist party by one of my cousins ,which eventually became the ANC is one of the reasons labour unions wield...
VenomV12 - Clearly you have been in neither because the new RR’s interior is amazing, miles better than almost anything out there. The new GC’s interior looks...
AFX - Pro athletes aren’t exactly known for having good taste. Just watch those shows like MTV Cribs and you’ll see. A car like this will...
VenomV12 - Such a ridiculous and over the top vehicle with an over the top price. I could see renting one for a weekend, but not owning one. You really...
VenomV12 - Three Phantoms in my town, two are owned by very white older gentlemen. When I go out to Chicago and the suburbs of Chicago, almost 100% of the...
FuzzyPlushroom - The most powerful reason, honestly, that I’m glad my first few cars were RWD. FWD is fine and all, but it’s not the same.
jimbob457 - Took the wife’s 996 cabrio in for routine service yesterday and discovered that the little fellow is built like the proverbial brick shithouse....
raph - Same here but the Fisker deserves a nice over the top V12, a 10.5L 2 valve V12 making 700+ hp and to make the greenies happy they could add some sort...
Piston Slap Yo Mama - The 1st Contour SVT I find on CL has missing rocker caps: http://sanantonio.craigslist.o rg/cto/3740157683.html...
f2m - to see a unique analysis over the US car market: http://focus2move.com/itemlist /category/37-united-states-of- america