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Mazda service in Midland
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Read moreCase Study: Mazda 6 Cylinder head failure
While we have experienced quite a few different cylinder head (and head gasket) failures in the past. From leaking oil or water externally, leaking coolant or oil into the cylinders or even mixing both together. This Mazda 6 is the first one we have seen fail due to a camshaft.
The Problem
The car was originally towed in with the customer suspecting a failed head gasket. We carried out a Tee Kay Test ( which checks for combustion gasses in the cooling system,) the disadvantages of this test is that it only really confirms an issue but cannot confirm that the system is fine, The other issue is that it doesn’t always work on a diesel.
The Tee Kay test failed, showing us that there definitely is an issue with the engine. At this point we had to narrow down if it was an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation ) cooler or the head/gasket. To do this we carried out a cooling system pressure test and pulled out the glow plugs. The only location we could find a coolant leak was into cylinder 2 confirming that the cylinder head had failed.
Camshaft Worn Markup 1
Camshaft Worn Markup 2
From here we needed to confirm why we had a failure of the cylinder head, instead of pulling the fuel injectors to pull the rocker cover and inspecting that way. We used a borescope through the oil filler and in a matter of sheer luck I managed to get on the right angle quickly to see most of a cam lobe missing (red is roughly where it is worn to and green is where it should be).
The Diagnosis
What we can figure out has happened from here is that the exhaust one of the exhaust valves in cylinder 2 has not been opened due to the camshaft. This stuck shut valve has not let the cylinder dispose of as much heat as it needs to softening and weakening the cylinder head allowing it to warp and opening the cooling system into the cylinder.
Cylinder Head Failure 1
Cylinder Head Failure 2
The Outcome
The current options we have are very price dependent and vary from vehicle to vehicle. Given that this one needs a new head, camshaft and all of the valve drive system it looks to be cheaper on parts and labour to put in an engine rather then put a new head on this block. The other reason this may be a better repair is that we don’t know how much damage may be done to the cylinder walls or pistons without stripping the motor down at the vehicle owners cost.
If you are having problems with your Mazda 6 (or any other vehicle) bring it in to Ultra Lube Mechanical Workshop for expert diagnosis and repair. You can rest assured we will do whatever it takes to provide you with the best advice for your vehicle and your wallet...
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We offer the combination of old school service with all the advantages of modern technology, so that you and your vehicle receive the best of both worlds. We will not undertake any work without your express consent, so you know exactly what you can expect when you pick up your vehicle (MRB7530)...
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