MAJOR issue methinks...20 miles of rattling and no start now...

[mobaar]

So yeah, I think I'm in for some major repairs, but seeing if the community can help me think of what it might be so I know how much to brace myself (and how much whiskey I need to have on hand)...

2007 Mazda 6i 2.3L 4-cyl. 90k miles.

In the past 5-6 months or so, I've had that strange ticking that happens just around 2.5k RPMs, but my mechanically inclined friends and family have advised me that it's not a bad tick, nothing to worry about.

I recently went on a 120-mile drive to a family Christmas party and noticed the ticking getting more noticeable, and a broader stretch of RPMs to create the noise. Then, about 20 miles out, major knocking. To me, sounded like misaligned lifters and/or piston knock, but there was a noticeable grinding sound too, not too loud, I had to have the hood open with the car running in park to hear it. Kinda sandpaper-y sound.

My mechanic relatives heard the knocking and started guessing what it might be...rod knock, piston knock, lifter misalignment, etc., and then I turned the car off and went back to the party. 3 hours later when I tried to start it up (and take it to a nearby mechanic shop), it started, the knock persisted, then my car stopped running. Tried the key again, and I got what sounded like a little bit of cranking then nothing.

I expect the worst, and hope for only some small minor issue. 90k miles is a drop in the bucket for a 2007 car, and I assumed this engine would have more life in it. I've been good about oil changes, and never had any Check Engine lights, low oil, or anything. I think the only awry thing was at about 50k miles when the coolant levels were low.

Any guesses? Anyone experience the same thing? Any advice would be appreciated....

~Mo

[xkreedx]

What is your oil level at right now?

[Slate6]

Similar thing happened to a friend of mine. He blew a rod right thru the block.

[Furytom]

My best guess would be a spun rod bearing. I also would like to know what the oil level is right now. Same thing happened to mine at 98000 miles.
Tomi

[mobaar]

Originally Posted by xkreedx

What is your oil level at right now?

Checked the oil right after I arrived. Level was good (actually a tad high) and looked clear, not cloudy at all. I'm only a month out from my last oil change.

~Mo

[mobaar]

UPDATE:

Was able to get the car towed to a shop, and they were able to get it to start. Rod knock, piston grinding ("It quite obviously is the engine trying to freeze") led to a damaged engine, needing full replacement a la ~$5000 new, ~$3000 used. Too much considering the resale value on a 90k 2007 6 is only around $5500.

I loved my Mazda very much but total engine failure on a well-maintained car at 90k miles has left me wanting. I plan to call Mazda up tomorrow to voice my disappointment (not that I expect them to do anything).

I appreciate the input you've provided. Something tells me I won't be in the Mazda 6 club anymore...

~Mo

[Final Impact]

That's too bad to hear. Good luck in what ever path you take.

What model and locale are you from? $5500 ~ OUCH!!!!!

[legacy4life]

Sorry to hear about that. Also with so few miles too. Are you the only owner? Premature failure at that few of miles seems odd.

[Furytom]

Thats too bad man.
But I know the feeling, I had the same issue with mine at 98000 miles. It was well maintained as well.
I replaced my engine myself and it runs well for now.
I was also asking the local dealer what they would/could do about it. The answer was " well with almost 100K miles on it that sure can happen"
Thats when I left. I dont think I want another Mazda after my 6 is gone.
Good luck finding a solution with yours!

Tomi

[Cavalier2000]

You could probably pull the engine and rebuild it for ALOT less. Depends on if there is any damage to the walls.