I was told I needed a new “fuel sending unit” and a new “fuel tank replacement”. My car is a 2002 Mazda Millenia and the cost would be about $2,000. I was told it is dangerous to drive my car until I got these new parts. Does this sound logical to you?
Thanks, Larry

Hey Larry,

I would definitely get a second opinion on this. Seldom do you have to replace the fuel tank itself….unless it is rusted out from salty/icy roads in the North. the fuel sending unit tells your dash gas gauge how much fuel is in the tank. I have not seen a “dangerous” fuel sending unit.

If for some strange reason you REALLY do need to replace these parts (maybe because the tank is leaking fuel) I would call a few junk yards in your area and buy a used fuel tank with the fuel pump and sending unit still inside it…..for a fraction of the cost of new parts.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Hi again Austin,

Just an FYI: Your “0 – 60k Miles” and the “70 – 120k Miles” car maintenance schedules have no information in the “Belts” row for inspection or maintenance.

About a month ago, my Mazda with 65,000 left me sitting on the turnpike and cost $300US by the time it was over with. When I came home, I looked at both my Mazda (two belts) and Taurus (one serpentine belt) vehicle handbooks, and in both cases, nothing was mentioned about replacing these inexpensive belts. What a gross oversite imho. This must be some major honeypot for the auto repair industry, so no one makes mention of it as a required maintenance item.

Just from experience, I would say replace all engine exterior rubber belts at every 50k miles, and (if so equiped) the engine interior rubber timing belt at no more than every 100k miles.

Fo wht that’s worth . . .

Regards,
B.

Thank you again for your time and email.

You are correct about the hassle and expense of a broken belt. And you are also correct, I totally left out the change interval on my list….shame on me!

The rule of thumb used to be replace all rubber products (belts and hoses) at 60K miles, but the quality of the rubber belts and hoses seems to have increased over the last few years and many shops are allowing more time between change intervals.

To be honest, I have only seen maybe 1…..yes 1, serpentine fan belt actually break do to excessive wear. Now, I have seen many of them break or come off the pulley due to a broken belt tensioner or a bad pulley or something else on the engine that broke and caused the belt to jump the pulley.

I have seen severely cracked serpentine fan belts last 100K or more on some of my more price conscious customers, and I have seen many shops replace serpentine belts with just a few small cracks…..which I think is more of a sales ploy than an actual needed repair.

I would definitely have a talk with your oil change place for not bringing the worn out belt to your attention, I am surprised they did not try to upsell you a belt on your last few visits.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Reader Follow Up

Ha! The irony of my $300 belt job, is that I’m the “oil change guy”. It was my own stupid fault.

My ’93 Taurus (68k original miles) needs repairs occasionally and I’ve had the serpentine belt off a couple times over the years. I see some wear, and it gets replaced.

This is the 3rd Protege I had in the last 10 years. Since they never seem to require much more than batteries, brakes, air cleaners, oil and gas, it was too easy to just let it slip my mind. Won’t make that mistake again though.

Regards,
B

I have a oily watery drip about the size of a 16 oz can lid.

My oil level is fine and my water level is lowering but not critical. 1994 Mazda Miata has not overheated and oil pressure is normal.

My question is should I try an additive first or go to the shop and have head gasket replaced (my guess) and all the other things you do while doing that.

Thank you,

Larry

Hey there Larry,

This is probably just a simple external oil leak somewhere. I would either get your mechanic to inspect the engine for leaks, or if you want to do it yourself, get a few cans of CRC Brakekleen at your local auto parts store and spray off any oily areas on the engine and find the leak yourself.

Its non flammable and drys instantly. You might have to clean the area that is oily then drive the car around the block to locate the source of the leak.

Blessings,
Austin Davis

Hi there

The same problem keeps happening after I got my car back from a mechanic: when I stop at the light, car stall at neutral gear, by the way, my car is Mazda mx6 1993….auto mechanic say my clutch need to be replaced, but it doesnt sounds like clutch is the only problem to caused this happen..

can you please explain what the real problem is?? and it is a big problem?

many thanks

Iverson

Hey there Iverson

I think I would rule out the simple and easy things first, check for a vacuum leak under the hood especially in the fresh air inlet hose from the air cleaner to the engine intake.

I would also have your throttle body and idle speed control motor cleaned….you should do this periodically as maintenance anyway and just about any mechanic or fast lube place can do this for you. I have seen a bad clutch pressure plate cause a dying at idle complaint when you press the clutch pedal….rare, but can happen.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

I have a 1995 Mazda 626 4 cylinder with manual transmission. I had an engine from a local savage yard put in to replace my bad motor. New seals and timing belt was done. Since having the engine installed, the first time I drove the car a distance, smoke came from under the car.

Lots of smoke. That night I noticed there was an oil spot in my driveway. I took the car back to the shop where the engine was installed. The mechanic replaced the rear main seal and gasket surrounding the main seal. I did not have any more oil leaks.

Now it is approximately a week later, I have been driving the car around town. No oil leaks. I drove to a neighboring city approximately 25 miles away. Used the highway. All gauges were fine. Ran air conditioner, Everything was fine.

My son noticed after I got back home and the car had set for a couple of hours an OIL SPOT. The spot was about the size of your hand not very deep,. I took the car back to the mechanic. Rear main seal is leaking. What is causing the rear main seal to leak? Take into consideration that there is no leaking when driving in town and leaking when I drive a long distance (Highway) .

My mechanic is puzzled also. He will be surfing the internet for answers to. (The mechanic does not want to fix the seal until he knows what is causing the seal to react the way it is.)

Thank you

Why hello there,

I would first TRIPLE check the entire engine AGAIN to make sure the oil leak is really from the rear main and not trickling down the engine from a valve cover gasket or some other seal or gasket. I would spray the engine down with CRC BrakeKleener which you can buy at any parts store…it is non flammable and dries instantly so you don’t have to use water.

Once the engine is completely clean and dry, then check for leaks starting at the top of the engine. They even sell an additive you can put in the oil that will glow green when used with a black light. This can be helpful in locating pesky leaks. The rear main seal usually gets blamed for leaking more times than not, and the problem seal is located higher up on the engine and running down the back and side of the motor dripping off the rear main area.

If you are positive the rear main is leaking again I would TRIPLE check the crankshaft to make sure the shaft is still perfectly round and balanced, does not have a bur or a lip cut into the shaft that the new seal can not seal up. I would also use a genuine MAZDA rear main seal if you have to do the job over again.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Summary
2007 Mazda RX-8 is a sports car that can seat four passengers. It has four doors.

Price
MSRP: US$26,435-US$31,070
Invoice: US$24,458-US$28,735

What is New in 2007 Mazda RX-8?
Minor changes include optional new performance package on Sports trim and in-dash six-disc CD changer available as standard on specific models.

Introduction
2007 Mazda RX-8 is a perfect combination of agility, performance, and comfort essential in a sports car. However, poor fuel economy robs it of all charm.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Mazda RX-8 is available in three trims ranging from Sport to Grand Touring. Options include Bose audio system with in-dash six-disc CD changer, navigation system, leather upholstery, sport-tuned suspension, heated seats, and sunroof.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Mazda RX-8 offers standard 232hp 1.3-liter R2 engine with six-speed manual transmission and overdrive. It delivers 18-mpg in city and 24-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors offer supportive seats with rear doors opening differently to allow easy entry and exit. Circular-shaped gauges control climate and other functions. Display is too congested to allow easy reading.

Safety Features
Standard safety measures include tire-pressure monitor, antilock disc brakes, and side curtain airbags for driver and front passenger while stability control is available in special package.

Driving Impressions
Although 2007 Mazda RX-8 is a sports car, it offers gentle drive with firm grips around corners. It requires higher torque to increase engine power.

Pros
Comfortable ride and low cost

Cons
Poor fuel economy, insufficient torque

Summary
2007 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is a convertible sports car that can accommodate two passengers. It has two doors.

Price
MSRP: US$20,585-US$26,520
Invoice: US$19,022-US$24,488

What is New in 2007 Mazda MX-5 MIATA?
Additions include retractable hardtop model, increased engine power, and shuffling of few trim levels.

Introduction
2007 Mazda MX-5 MIATA has appreciable overall features with inherent style and performance. It definitely offers an enjoyable ride.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is available in seven trims ranging from SV to Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop. Options include keyless entry, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, satellite radio, run-flat tires, rear spoiler, CD player, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and air-conditioning.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Mazda MX-5 MIATA offers standard 166hp 2.0-liter I4 engine with either five-speed or six-speed manual transmission and overdrive. It delivers 24 to 25-mpg in city and 30-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors of 2007 Mazda MX-5 MIATA are cozy, compact, and comfortable for just two with proportionate cargo space. Manual top can be adjusted within minutes.

Safety Features
Standard safety measures include side airbags and antilock four-wheel disc brakes. Stability control and tire-pressure monitor are available in specific trims.

Driving Impressions
2007 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is a pleasure to drive as manual transmission, gearbox, and precise steering offer a gliding ride.

Pros
Accurate steering, economical

Cons
Uncomfortable for huge adults, stability control not available in all trims

Summary
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED6 is a sports sedan that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

Price
MSRP: US$27,995-US$29,925
Invoice: US$25,833-US$27,608

What is New in 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED6?
There are no major changes to 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED6 over its 2006 model.

Introduction
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED6 offers excellent performance and efficiency for daily commuting despite heavy steering and clutch.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED6 is available in two trims of Sport and Grand Touring. Options include heated front seats, navigation system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and Sirius satellite radio, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with mounted audio controls, cruise control, and automatic climate control.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED6 offers standard 270hp 2.3-liter I4 turbo engine with six-speed manual transmission and overdrive. It delivers 19-mpg in city and 25-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors of 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED6 include supportive and comfortable seats with easy to handle controls. Rear seats do not offer split folding. Legroom is insufficient at the rear.

Safety Features
Standard safety measures of 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED6 include stability control, antilock disc brakes, full-length head curtain airbags, and seat-mounted side airbags.

Driving Impressions
Excellent handling dynamics, firm suspension, and strong acceleration combine to offer comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Pros
Strong brakes and powerful engines, high performance levels

Cons
Automatic transmission absent, steering and clutch heavy, rear seat does not fold

Summary
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 is a passenger wagon that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

Price
MSRP: $22,340-$24,055
Invoice: $20,898-$22,497

What is New in 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
Additions include six-speed manual gearbox, high-power turbocharged engine, 18-inch wheels, and lowered suspension with sport tuning.

Introduction
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 offers excellent performance with supportive chassis and exclusive looks. It can tackle curvy roads efficiently.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 is available in two trims of Sport 5-Door and Grand Touring 5-Door. Options include Bose audio with a six-disc CD changer, navigation system, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, performance tires, and sport-tuned suspension and fog lights.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 offers standard 263hp 2.3-liter I4 turbo engine with six-speed manual transmission and overdrive. It delivers 20-mpg in city and 28-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors are exclusive with superb designs, clear and precise controls, and high quality of materials. Seating is comfortable with supportive backseat and cargo space is sufficient.

Safety Features
Safety measures include standard stability control, traction control, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, and tire-pressure monitor.

Driving Impressions
It offers excellent driving comfort and pleasure across smooth roads rather than on rough roads. Responsive steering, smooth transmission, and efficient brakes offer spectacular performance.

Pros
Excellent handling dynamics, high torque, superb material quality

Cons
Rear legroom tight

Summary
2007 Mazda MAZDA5 is a passenger wagon that can seat six passengers. It has four doors.

Price
MSRP: US$17,735-US$21,500
Invoice: US$16,606-US$20,117

What is New in 2007 Mazda MAZDA5?
2007 Mazda MAZDA5 offers new trim level with heated front seats, HID headlights, and leather upholstery.

Introduction
2007 Mazda MAZDA5 is an able solution for space and performance requirements of small families.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Mazda MAZDA5 is available in three trims ranging from Sport to Grand Touring. Options include six-disc CD changer with rear spoiler, moonroof, voice-controlled navigation system, HID xenon headlights, in-dash CD changer, automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Mazda MAZDA5 offers standard 153hp 2.3-liter I4 engine with five-speed manual transmission and overdrive or optional four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard in few models.

Interior Design and Special Features
Theater-style seating offers easy outside view to all passengers. Sliding rear doors help easy entry and exit in tight parking spaces. Foldable second and third-row seats offer sufficient cargo space. Third-row seats suit children best.

Safety Features
Standard safety measures include side curtain airbags for all rows, front side airbags, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Tire-pressure monitor with navigation system is available on select models.

Driving Impressions
Precise handling, quick steering, and minimal body roll offers comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Pros
Superb fuel economy, low cost, and adequate features

Cons
Stability control unavailable, third row cramped