Gen 3 owners please read! Camshaft Issue (Diesel)

[damtom85]

After repairs you will find car more responsive to accelerator and it will gain speed faster which is good for overtaking. Also you will find your brakes work better, more brake power. And I gain few more miles for mpg. These are the things I noticed so far. On downside I find engine a little bit louder, more diesel rattle noise.

To get extended warranty you have to speak with Mazda customer service. Dealers won't help you with that.


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[Layabout]

Hmmm, sounds like mine is the right age to be affected by this. I'll have to check the VIN later on.

How much hassle would it be for Mazda to check the camshaft next time I'm in for a service? Prevention is probably better than cure for both parties where this is concerned!

[damtom85]

I don't think that they will check that without complaining about two things: loss of power( turbos freeplay) and loss of brake force( vacuum pump knackered).

The test is simple- first they check what pressure vacuum pump is giving. If the pressure is not good then second thing is they undo top cover and check for visible wear off signs on camshaft.


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[Layabout]

It sounds like they may be talked into checking the vacuum pump then, I had a feeling pulling the engine apart for a quick look might be a big ask!

The issue I have is that I've only test driven a couple of these, both a couple of weeks apart so I've not got a proper benchmark for how the power and brake force should really feel so I was thinking it might be worth my while getting them to check just in case, rather than waiting for the dash to light up because I've not noticed anything is awry (due to not knowing any better)

[damtom85]

If pressure on vacuum pump is not right , the mechanics are obligated to open top cover of engine. That is mazda's procedure.


Are You in VIN defect range ? If yes then definitely you will have soon or later problems with engine.

Some say there is possibility to see camshaft through oil filler hole. After car is not used for longer ( I would say around 10hours) you can use torch and see part of camshaft and see condition of it.

I was going to try this method but didn't have time yet.


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[Layabout]

OK, that's good to know. I'm not a stupid distance from the place that newmazdaowner mentioned as looking after Mazda UK's cars so I could give them a call for the service when the time comes.

My VIN ends 118xxx so it doesn't seem to be in range of the recall notice on the thread but is less than the 148xxx that you mentioned a few posts back.

I'll have to give that a go - I'm not 100% sure what the wear would look like but hopefully it will be obvious!

[damtom85]

Can you see ring on picture ?


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[newmazdaowner]

Surely enough cars in the VIN range have been affected now for a full VOSA recall to be issued. This is clearly a safety issue - i.e. Engine smashes itself to bits when be driven hard at speed causing a crash - sudden loss of power when overtaking which could cause to an oncoming car collision etc. etc. etc.

For Mazda to say that not every camshaft will be effected is nothing short of criminal - it's a known fault and all cars in the VIN range should be recalled ASAP and new parts fitted, whether they show signs of wear or not. Yes, they will get bad press, but isn't that better than being accused of murder or manslaughter?

[Layabout]

Can you see ring on picture ?


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Is that the ones on the larger disks? Bang in the middle, to the right of the upright

[damtom85]

Yeah exactly , on this picture you have them in 4 places starting from left to right side.


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