2004 2.3L Auto with Blown Engine - Mazda 6 Forums : Mazda 6 Forum / Mazda Atenza Forum

shawnmd · 04-21-2009, 04:04 PM

My father has a 2004 Mazda 6 with 2.3L and auto. The car quit yesterday with the timing chain snapping, due to extremely low oil (Don't ask). Anyway, we have found a 2003 2.3L engine with 81,000KM and 3 month warranty for $1000. I am thinking about replacing the engine myself, but he is hesitant. I sort of am too, but than I think I could handle it. I have been into cars for a long time and have fully restored a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. However, there aren't any electronics or computers in that car. My question is how difficult is it to replace this engine? What issues would I have to worry about concerning the computers, electronics etc.?

MrTea · 04-21-2009, 06:59 PM

on the 2.3 it's not really too hard at all if you buy one that is ready to go. but keep in mind, do some reading first, as there's no way to loose the timing belt, as there isn't one, it's a chain.

$1k seems a bit high, but if it's truely bolt it in and go, it might be worth it. and i'm assuming it's the long block, no need to swap anything over from your old motor?

Rainmens · 04-21-2009, 07:01 PM

Check Ebay motors, alot of junkyards sell them for less than $1k with similiar or less mileage.

shawnmd · 04-21-2009, 07:40 PM

Thanks..I knew is was a chain, fingers typed belt instead, if it was a belt, might not be as bad. Do they usually take this engine out by dropping it out the bottom with the front subframe?

KCV6 · 04-22-2009, 03:08 AM

Sadly even with a belt it would be bad... they are interference engines, so I suspect you have many bent valves.

I change mine through the top by removing the bonnet and then disconnecting everything. The biggest bitch is pulling the driveshafts from the tranny. It won't go back in place with the serpentine belt in place. You have to fit the alternator and exhaust manifold as you lower the motor into the car using a hoist you can move around. You will get the gist of it while taking the screwed motor out. For 2 people that can spin a spanner it's a comfortable 2 day job to re-fit into an empty bay. Just take your time and you will be fine.

Cheers.... Mark

shawnmd · 04-22-2009, 12:04 PM

The dealer told my father that the 2004 2.3L was sligtly different than 2003 (sensors and such) and 2005 and later years. He said he would have to find a 2004 and could not use the 2003.

04-21-2009, 06:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
MrTea Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 8,943 Thanks: 3 Thanked 149 Times in 111 Posts Groans: 1 Groaned at 2 Times in 2 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 1 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	on the 2.3 it's not really too hard at all if you buy one that is ready to go. but keep in mind, do some reading first, as there's no way to loose the timing belt, as there isn't one, it's a chain. $1k seems a bit high, but if it's truely bolt it in and go, it might be worth it. and i'm assuming it's the long block, no need to swap anything over from your old motor? __________________ '03 Lapis(mostly) 6i...Tranny swap by Gillis Motorsports : MTX-75 5speed tranny, 4.06 gears, Torsen LSD & chromoly axles, Engine build by Gillis Motorsports: 9:1 Supertech Pistons, Crower rods, Supertech valves, springs & retainers, ARP head & main studs, F2 Stage2 Turbo, Custom F2 engine/tranny mounts, 3" Turboback exhaust, Tein Basic Coilovers, Brembo Big Brake Kit and Rotora Rear Rotors, RacingBeat Front & Rear Sways, Seibon OEM hood, VF Engineering rear engine mount, Powdercoated Valvecover, TEIN hood dampers, Some sort of Body Kit from some company usually last dyno 8/23, 10psi...260HP/267TQ Still need: Seat, cage, Gillis suspension...then i'm DONE!!

04-21-2009, 07:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
Rainmens Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: AZ Posts: 6,966 Thanks: 470 Thanked 209 Times in 145 Posts Groans: 10 Groaned at 5 Times in 5 Posts Mentioned: 6 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 45 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	Check Ebay motors, alot of junkyards sell them for less than $1k with similiar or less mileage. __________________ 304whp/360tq Vdyno 1.01 CF Cobb AP, Sure 3" Full3 Aeros Intake, Autotech Internals, M2 DP, 3" CP-E Single Exit (w/resonator), 3.25" ETS, PnP'ed IM w/VTCS removed, 1/16"Sure TIG spacer Synapse BPV, AWR 70 Duro RMM, JBR 70 Duro TMM, Denso 1-Step Colder Plugs, TWM Shifter Bushings, SM OCC, Custom Shift Knob, Custom Shifter Weight, SURE Shorcut, H&R Springs, Tenzo DC-6 Wheels

04-22-2009, 03:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
KCV6 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 113 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 0 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	Sadly even with a belt it would be bad... they are interference engines, so I suspect you have many bent valves. I change mine through the top by removing the bonnet and then disconnecting everything. The biggest bitch is pulling the driveshafts from the tranny. It won't go back in place with the serpentine belt in place. You have to fit the alternator and exhaust manifold as you lower the motor into the car using a hoist you can move around. You will get the gist of it while taking the screwed motor out. For 2 people that can spin a spanner it's a comfortable 2 day job to re-fit into an empty bay. Just take your time and you will be fine. Cheers.... Mark __________________ 03 6 I4 classic hatch 07 6 MPS I HAVE NO FRIENDS BUT MY CARS DON'T CARE

04-21-2009, 04:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
shawnmd Learners License Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 0 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	My father has a 2004 Mazda 6 with 2.3L and auto. The car quit yesterday with the timing chain snapping, due to extremely low oil (Don't ask). Anyway, we have found a 2003 2.3L engine with 81,000KM and 3 month warranty for $1000. I am thinking about replacing the engine myself, but he is hesitant. I sort of am too, but than I think I could handle it. I have been into cars for a long time and have fully restored a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. However, there aren't any electronics or computers in that car. My question is how difficult is it to replace this engine? What issues would I have to worry about concerning the computers, electronics etc.?

04-21-2009, 07:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
shawnmd Learners License Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 0 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	Thanks..I knew is was a chain, fingers typed belt instead, if it was a belt, might not be as bad. Do they usually take this engine out by dropping it out the bottom with the front subframe?

04-22-2009, 12:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
shawnmd Learners License Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 0 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	The dealer told my father that the 2004 2.3L was sligtly different than 2003 (sensors and such) and 2005 and later years. He said he would have to find a 2004 and could not use the 2003.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Mazda 6 Forum Advertisement