reman discussion

[pomes131]

I have an 88 mazda 929...its been babied for a long time....but 17yrs and 154,000 miles later, I've got issues.....compression test showed one cylinder at 30....second test a month later shows 0 psi, 120, 105, 111, 105, 120.....I don't know much about engines.....but, one of the options that has been mentioned to me is a reman engine from mazda...called mazda and they said 3300 for engine....4800 installed(3yr/unlimited miles warranty)....so my question is what can I expect from this engine....basically would I be happy???

[mazdatech177]

take the 5k and put it in a new car. all the other components on that car are just as old as the engine... you never know when they are gonna pop. even in perfect shape that car is not worth 5k

['97ventureowner]

That's sound advice. I had the same issue last year and did the same thing, as that's what I thought. Your transmission, body, frame and other components are also 154,000 miles so one thing you could do is sell it as is, and take that money along with what you would save by not repairing the car, and get another vehicle.

[pomes131]

I hear you....let me explain though...this is not my primary vehicle, I decided to keep this car a long time ago...it was my first car and I plan to keep it forever...also, I don't just want an engine from a junkyard, bc I could/would end up with the same problems.......but, do you know what I should expect from a reman?? And if I would be happy with it, performance-wise compared to the old engine with those low compression numbers??

[AlmostStock]

You have to decide how much you like the car. If everything else is in good shape and you plan on keeping it for a while, I think it's worth it. Especially if you can drop the motor in yourself.

A quality remanufactured engine will run as good as the original engine did when new, and will come with a warrantee. As long as it is installed properly you will be happy.

[pomes131]

okay...btw I love this vehicle, everything about it...its my mom's first grandchild if you know what I mean...my concern was about the ummmm quality/performance of a reman...as you can see I know next to nothing(but not nothing) about engines...if the reman would be like a new one, for all practical purposes, then I would get one....and if it being installed properly is an issue(j/k) then maybe I shouldn't do it...anybody else have an opinion?? Almoststock, do you think getting a reman from Mazda is the best way to go?? I'm positive I could shave a few hundred off by finding one elsewhere, don't think the warranty would be 3yr/unlimited mileage though...and maybe shaving a few hundred off isn't worth it on something this important and expensive!

[AlmostStock]

I did a search for a 1988 3.0 Mazda engine from Jasper (quality product) and they wanted $3970, list price. I would guess the one from Mazda to also be good because of their warranty. I would find out who remanufactured it and what parts are new.

Keep in mind that the guys above are right. If your feelings about this car change and you decide to sell it soon after getting the new engine, don't expect to get your investment back.

[pomes131]

Thanks for the legwork almoststock...I appreciate it...and about changing my feelings for the car, would you change the way you feel about your kids?? Unless it breaks into the house and robs me, I'm keeping it!! And thanks for the advice about what to ask mazda, I'll use it!

['97ventureowner]

If you end up purchasing a reman. engine, do a little research into the company that is selling it. There are a lot of companies out there that offer reman engines, and some are better than others. You could get opinions from friends, mechanics in your local area, or even online in this forum. My only experience with reman engines is with GM,and Ford and everybody I know who has gotten one from them has been satisfied. Buying from the manufacturer, whether it be GM, Mazda, Ford etc. you can usually be assured of a quality replacement for your vehicle. Plus the warranties are usually very good. One thing about other companies that offer reman engines is they might also "recommend" installers in your area. If you decide to go that route, also check out the reliability of the installer. I have seen a number of times in my area, where someone has bought an engine from one of these places , and had problems with the work the installer did putting the engine in.

[pomes131]

Thanks '97ventureowner....dually noted!!

[curtis73]

Its hard for us to estimate your emotional interest in the car, but I think the cost is up to you. The car is not (no offense) a valuable thing to the buyer's market. Its honestly a $500 car, and after you spend $5000 on an engine replacement, it will be worth $1500 at best.

I fully understand the desire to perpetuate a family heirloom... I have an heirloom 66 Bonneville that is worth $300, but I have $15,000 invested in its restoration, but just wanted you to know that your investment won't be returned other than emotionally.

[pomes131]

curtis73...no offense taken at all! I've had places tell me they'd give me $1000 for it, so I know its not valuable to anyone but me...but to me that's all that matters...its like you and the bonneville, and I completely understand that there's no return on investment! Thanks for looking out for me though!

[MagicRat]

I agree with the comments shown above, but why do you think you need an entirely new engine?

If this was your primary vehicle, go ahead, rebuild the engine.
But, since this is not your primary car, do you really need to spend $4700 essentially 'buying' another 150k miles?

If the engine is not burning oil and not making bad knocking sounds, it may just need a rebuilt cylinder head. A new head, installed, is a fraction of the price of a new engine, imo $1500 installed at most.

It's quite possible the low compression is simply due to a flat camshaft lobe and/or a burned and leaking valve, all of which is would be replaced with a rebuilt head. (Potentially, you could replace two heads, if it's a V6)

Consider having a mechanic do a 'leak-down' test on the engine. This will show which part of the cylinder is leaking compression. One can also remove the head and have it inspected. At the same time, the cylinder wear can be measured.
All this will determine if its necessary to rebuild the entire engine, or just the head.

[Madman762]

In Japan, they replace the engines in their cars at like 30,000 miles or something like that, and the engines that they take out get shipped over here. Try to find a place that sells these "off the boat" motors.

[pomes131]

Thanks for all the help/advice guys! I had them do a leak down test...explored the option of 1 new head, then I figured well do both heads.....then I had a friend tell me after looking at it with the heads off, that if I did that I was at high risk of blowing out the bottom end(whatever that means, I'm not very familiar with engines) then without telling another friend what the first guy had said, he said the same thing...both told me to get rid of it and not do the only thing that would fix it and get a new engine, b/c of the price....finally towed it to Mazda and(without telling them my friends' thoughts) they gave the same diagnosis.....btw, a reworked head was $1200..so you were dead on! As far as looking for a used motor, I figure I'll just go all the way...I appreciate everyone trying to look out for me though....besides, with the remanufactured engine I get a 3/yr unlimited milage warranty...so I'm going for it!!! Thanks again to everyone who responded, and gave me advice...its much appreciated!