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ProtegeBlues
12-30-2006, 09:04 PM
I have a 2003 Protege ES. Engine Problems. I want to pull a piston to inspect but can't remove the upper oil pan block. All obvious bolts are removed. Any tricks? I don't want to break anything. Any hidden bolts or does tranny have to be removed?
xelderx
12-31-2006, 12:21 AM
There are two small bolts inside the bellhousing of the transmission directly behind the flywheel. What kind of engine trouble are you having? If it's serious you might as well go ahead and pull the motor out and go through the whole thing.
wicked
12-31-2006, 12:36 AM
There are two small bolts inside the bellhousing of the transmission directly behind the flywheel. What kind of engine trouble are you having? If it's serious you might as well go ahead and pull the motor out and go through the whole thing.


yep,must remove trany to uncover two magial bolts that were so lovely hidden by mazda/ford just to FUCK WITH US!!!!!
ProtegeBlues
12-31-2006, 06:32 PM
There are two small bolts inside the bellhousing of the transmission directly behind the flywheel. What kind of engine trouble are you having? If it's serious you might as well go ahead and pull the motor out and go through the whole thing.
ProtegeBlues
12-31-2006, 06:35 PM
Thanks for the input. I'm sure I will be pulling the engine, but wanted to check things out ahead of time. 3rd piston from front ate some aluminum, smashed spark plug, messed up #3 head, don't know where metal came from so assume #3 piston will come out for initial inspection. It is the only piston with small dents on top. Trying a minimalist repair, but if it needs more it will get what it needs. Thanks again.
kcbhiw
12-31-2006, 06:45 PM
Have you inspected the VTCS flapper in the intake manifold? The '03 Proteges are known for loosing the screws securing the flappers. There is a recall to fix the problem.

Perhaps yours ingested one of the screws.
xelderx
12-31-2006, 06:58 PM
^^^^

Yea what he said. I would put money on that tiny little screw being the piece of metal you are lookig for. I bet it's wedged somewhere in your catalytic converter right now.
Prodigy
12-31-2006, 08:12 PM
Have you inspected the VTCS flapper in the intake manifold? The '03 Proteges are known for loosing the screws securing the flappers. There is a recall to fix the problem.

Perhaps yours ingested one of the screws.
I thought it was only the p5's...?
ProtegeBlues
12-31-2006, 11:53 PM
Have you inspected the VTCS flapper in the intake manifold? The '03 Proteges are known for loosing the screws securing the flappers. There is a recall to fix the problem.

Perhaps yours ingested one of the screws.
ProtegeBlues
12-31-2006, 11:57 PM
You guys are great! One small piece of aluminum was actually found in the intake. Interesting - it was chewed up ... like gum and somehow was spit back into the intake. I haven't started to look for sources in the intake area, but I sure will now. I mostly assumed it would have to come from a piston, which I will check too! Thanks so much. Just wish I had a heated garage, but I am motivated for tomorrows inspection... Thanks again.
Kansei
01-01-2007, 12:05 AM
found in the intake? hmmm very interesting.

yeah heated garage = for the win. I'm buying a heater tomorrow haha.
ProtegeBlues
01-01-2007, 02:22 PM
Yes, it seems crazy that something could get on top of the piston, then everything is just right so it blows back into the intake. I'm sure thats what damaged the valves on that head.


found in the intake? hmmm very interesting.

yeah heated garage = for the win. I'm buying a heater tomorrow haha.