Your stylish Mazda isn't all looks with no substance. The Japanese automobile manufacturer has built their legacy on incorporating innovative technologies into their engines. With a Mazda engine on the hood, drivers know they're not just going from one place to another – they're partaking in a unique driving experience.
The engine is one of the most important parts of a vehicle, and perhaps even more so for a Mazda. Make sure you know all you need to know about Mazda engines, like where to source them, their unique technologies, notable engine series, and how to take care of them.
Sourcing Mazda Engines (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
When you purchase a brand new Mazda, it comes with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engine made by Mazda or its authorized manufacturers. Engines made by third-party manufacturers and usable in Mazdas fall under the "Aftermarket" parts category.
Unless the engine of your Mazda is out of production and impossible to find, we recommend investing in an original Mazda engine to return your car to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Aftermarket engines might not only not be covered by Mazda's warranty—they could also void the warranty and even damage your vehicle when installed. Moreover, they might not even fit into your Mazda's engine bay properly. When it comes to an expensive part like the engine, it's prudent to avoid taking chances and to go with the original.
The Mazda Rotary (Wankel) Engine
It's safe to say that the Mazda company was built on the back of the Wankel rotary engine.
Felix Wankel's rotary engine design had many advantages over the standard piston engine - smaller, lighter, superior power-to-weight ratio, quieter and smoother, and better performance for a given displacement. However, it had a severe problem of scratching on the inner surface of the engine case.
In the 1960s, determined to differentiate themselves from the pack, Mazda adopted the rotary engine and entrusted its engineers with solving its fatal drawback. Mazda was not the only car manufacturer who attempted to use the rotary engine. But they were the only ones who succeeded—eventually, their designers were able to produce a rotary engine usable in the real world. Mazda's rotary engine cars contributed to a significant proportion of their sales in the 1970s.
Mazda's rotary engines are the 1.0L 10A (1967–1973), 1.0L 0813 (1968–1972), 1.3L 13A (1970–1972), 1.1L 12A (1970–1985), 1.3L 13B (1973–2002), 2.0L 20B (1990–1996), 1.3L Renesis (2004–2013) and the SkyActiv R (2022 onwards).
Types of Mazda Engines
While Mazda is best known for its rotary engines, they also produce piston V-twin, inline four-cylinder, and V6 six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.
Mazda's piston and rotary engines from 2011 onwards are also part of their series of SkyActiv technologies developed to increase fuel efficiency and engine output.
SkyActiv-G: Mazda's Gasoline Engines
The SkyActiv-G is Mazda's direct-injection gasoline engine that can achieve high fuel efficiency due to high-compression combustion and greater drivability thanks to the increased torque at low- to mid-engine speeds. In the lineup are the 1.3L, 1.5L, 2.0L, 2.5L, and 3.3L.
SkyActiv-D: Mazda's Diesel Engines
Mazda's clean diesel engine is the SkyActiv-D. Fuel efficiency is improved thanks to a low compression ratio, while a two-stage turbocharger achieves smooth response at all engine speeds and increases low- and high-end torque. Engines are the 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.2L and 3.3L.
Notable Mazda Engine Series
F Series
Mazda's F Series of inline four-cylinder engines with SOHC and DOHC configurations are noted for their reliability and simplicity. They are also credited with propelling Mazda's reputation during the rise in popularity of four-cylinder engines. They power models like the Capella, Bongo, B-Series, and E-Series between 1977 and 2002. Fuel efficiency is around 9.0 km/l, depending on the model year.
J Series
The J Series is Mazda's foray into the realm of V6 engines. These 2.0L to 3.0L engines range in output from 150 to 203 hp and can be found in models like the 929, MPV, and Luce between 1986 and 1998. Fuel efficiency comes in at around 6.4 km/l.
L Series
Mazda's L Series was the successor to the F series and the precursor to their SkyActiv engines. Members like the LFF7 and the LF-DE have become legendary for their long lifespans. Engine sizes are 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.3L, and 2.5L, with fuel efficiency going up to 14.5 km/l in the LF-DE.
Maintenance & Care of Your Mazda Engine
To realize your Mazda engine's fullest potential, both in terms of performance and longevity, it's crucial that you pay attention and care for it properly. Given the high cost of an engine replacement, you'll be doing a favor for your Mazda engine and your wallet.
Key Routine Maintenance Tasks
Here are some simple maintenance tasks that you can do yourself to keep your vehicle in good condition:
1. Regularly change the engine oil to keep the parts lubricated.
2. Check and maintain the coolant levels.
3. Be aware of any leaks and address them promptly.
4. Replace the spark plugs, wires, and fuel filters when necessary.
Common Issues & How to Address Them
You might encounter these common engine issues along the course of ownership of your Mazda. One might be engine overheating, which can be due to a leak in the cooling system, a bad radiator fan, a faulty water pump, a faulty thermostat, or low engine oil levels. Another is engine noises due to anything from a bearing to a timing shaft problem. L-series engines have been known to have issues with variable valve timing, resulting in loose timing chains, oil leaks, and, in the worst case, engine failure. Fixes for these will involve repairing or replacing the necessary parts or topping up engine oil. If significant damage to the engine has already occurred, you may need to replace the entire unit.
Are Mazda Engines Expensive?
Mazda engines are relatively inexpensive. But bear in mind that, in general, the price of engines will vary according to their size and age (usually correlated to the level of technology).
Where to Buy Genuine Mazda Engines Online
Brand-new OEM crate engines can be purchased directly from your country's Mazda and OEM parts retailers. On the other hand, second-hand Mazda engines can be a cost-effective alternative. These can be found in great condition and at affordable prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
I received the part intact and it's working perfectly