2018 Mazda 3 Piston Pictures, 52k miles

[RayCJ]

Hi... I've been doing some general maintenance on my 2018 Mazda 3 Hatchback. It's a daily driver, has 52k miles and is a 6 speed automatic. Oil changes are always done around 4500 to 5000 miles. I always use 87 octane Top Tier fuel. With each fill-up, I add about 3oz of P.E.A type fuel additive. As for the PEA additive, I switch brands between Techrom, Gumout etc. Last week, I did a trans service (https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/2018-mazda-3-trans-service.396831/) and this week, I changed the spark plugs. The service interval on the plugs is 60k miles so, I'm a little ahead on getting that done.

Here are some pictures of the pistons and old spark plugs. Given that this is a GDI engine, things don't look too bad if you ask me. I tossed-in a picture of an OEM piston for reference.

Anyhow, just thought you might be interested in seeing this. Enjoy...

Ray

 

[Glenda W.]

Very nice!

 

[Danno]

Piston's look good, how do the intake valves look from the intake side.

 

[WobblyElvis]

Looks like the plugs could have gone another 40.000 miles. Good thing to know because I have a 2018 2.0 skyactive engine as well. guess I'll hold off of the plug change.
Amazing how clean the pistons are. Probably due to the PEA cleaner you've been using.

 

[RayCJ]

Piston's look good, how do the intake valves look from the intake side.

Hi... With my super cheap borescope, I can't see the backside of the valves. The "lens" is about 1.75" long and it's not possible to twist it around in there. Heck, with my luck, that lens would break and fall off in there. No, we're not going down that road... ...

But anyhow, at every oil change, I treat the valves to 1/2 can of Gumout GDI cleaner. The instructions say to use it on a hot engine then, let it fully cool, followed by some driving at higher-revs. Every day, to and from work, I have a spiraled and inclined expressway ramp. I put in sport mode and try to come out of the turn on two wheels then, goose it to 4k rpm for a few moments. After that, I go back to my normal, mild-mannered self .

One of these days, I'll probably decide to remove the intake manifold and look in there...

 

[Klutch9]

Im amazed at how good those pistons look.

 

[RayCJ]

Looks like the plugs could have gone another 40.000 miles. Good thing to know because I have a 2018 2.0 skyactive engine as well. guess I'll hold off of the plug change.
Amazing how clean the pistons are. Probably due to the PEA cleaner you've been using.

Yes indeed, the plugs were in perfectly fine shape. The gap spec is 0.043" and the old ones were exactly 0.043". Easily could have gone longer. Yes, I think the Top Tier fuel and unfailing use of PEA additive on every fill-up is what kept things so clean.