Mazda3, 2.3L, 4000mi, Motorcraft 5w-20 semi

[parmijo]

I just found this forum and I'm no expert on the subject but this is what I got back after 4000 miles on Motorcraft 5w20 in my wifes 2.3L Mazda3. I've used Motorcraft 5w-20 since after the factory fill. No top of oil ever needed. Any areas of concern here or pretty normal?

thanks,
Paul

 

[ThirdeYe]

Looks perfect to me.

 

[FZ1]

Looks good. How many months on this oil?

 

[parmijo]

FZ1- About 6 months on the oil. 60% city driving.

 

[02zx9r]

looks good. you continueing on with Motorcraft?

 

[Jax_RX8]

Look at all that Boron - does any other oil have more?

 

[parmijo]

I'm continuing with Motorcraft 5w-20 but I've heard (probably from people that don't know anything) that going up to 5W-30 in the summer would provide more protection.

 

[Al]

Doesn't get any better that this UOA

 

[FZ1]

Thanks. If it ain't broke,don't fix it. I would say with what you are running. .02.

 

[badtlc]

and to think I have seen some on this board say these Mazda engines are hard on oil. Looks wonderful.

 

[pzev]

Eh, depends on application. I have heard of oil related failures while tracking with these engines. However, this was most likely due to poor oil choice and the lack of an oil cooler.
These engines have piston oil squirters, which can lead to high sump temps. They also have balance shafts that do nothing but churn the oil constantly.

And on the Mazda setup, there is a PCV design issue that can lead to issues later on in a cars life. I am unclear if this issue was ever recorded in the Ford Focus (who shares this engine series).


Great report though!

 

[sunfire]

Which filter did you use?

 

[parmijo]

I should've put that in there.
purolator oil filter from pepboys. This engine uses the cartridge design.

 

[Greggy_D]

Originally Posted By: badtlc
and to think I have seen some on this board say these Mazda engines are hard on oil. Looks wonderful.


I think you're referencing the 2.3L Turbo Speed3 engine. The plain jane 2.0/2.3 engines are pretty easy on the oil.

 

[badtlc]

Originally Posted By: Greggy_D
Originally Posted By: badtlc
and to think I have seen some on this board say these Mazda engines are hard on oil. Looks wonderful.


I think you're referencing the 2.3L Turbo Speed3 engine. The plain jane 2.0/2.3 engines are pretty easy on the oil.


No, I'm not.