2002 Mazda Protege Mazda Protege used a lot of oil, but is

2002 MAZDA PROTEGE
140,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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THETONEMAN
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  • 1 POST
My Mazda Protege uses a lot of oil, but is not leaking or smoking. Car runs great and gets great gas mileage. It recently started smoking a little at start up after it has been sitting awhile, but then stops quickly. A mechanic says the initial smoke could be the rubber seals from the pistons being worn. Could the oil lose be the rings? and how much does that usually run?

Thanks Tony
Dec 28, 2009 at 7:27 PM
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 3,711 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

Yes the oil lose can be from the rings.

You would be better off purchasing a reman engine than having yours rebuilt. Having yours rebuilt can run $5k or more between parts and labor. You can usaully buy a reman for around $3,000 sometimes less and labor should be about $500 - $800.


.
Dec 28, 2009 at 9:03 PM
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