2001 Tribute Valve Spring Replacement Question

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Pat Dreiding - 09 Dec 2006 18:44 GMT

My car is a 2001 Tribute with 87K miles. I need to get a #4 cylinder value
spring replaced.
It broke recently and the car doesn't run very well. :-(

Does anyone have a "gut" feel as to the size and cost of the effort.
A dealer service department quoted me $2,300. Is this reasonable?

Should other items be inspected / replaced while the engine is apart?

All responses and suggestions appreciated.

Thanks
- Pat

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Chas Hurst - 09 Dec 2006 19:19 GMT

> My car is a 2001 Tribute with 87K miles. I need to get a #4 cylinder
> value
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Thanks
> - Pat

I would get at least another quote. I'm not familiar with the Tribute
engine, but the valves springs on many engines can be changed with out
taking much of the engine apart.
Valve springs typically last much longer than 87K so even the diagnosis is
suspect here.

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pws - 09 Dec 2006 22:14 GMT

> I would get at least another quote. I'm not familiar with the Tribute
> engine, but the valves springs on many engines can be changed with out
> taking much of the engine apart.
> Valve springs typically last much longer than 87K so even the diagnosis is
> suspect here.

I agree on getting another quote.
I do, however, suspect that Mazda is going downhill in the quality
department, and has been for some time. Just recently we have read of an
RX-8 with a new engine at 60,000 miles and a Tribute that breaks a valve
spring at 87,000 miles. Mazda released the NC with a potentially fatal
airbag flaw, which is not acceptable to me.

I have noticed a number of other examples as well with different, mostly
newer Mazda vehicles.
One thing I have seen is that many M2 owners are replacing parts within
5 to 6 years that typically lasted longer on the first generation
miatas, with the alternator being the one that I have noticed most
frequently.
Maybe I'll pass on the NC after all.

Pat

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Chas Hurst - 09 Dec 2006 23:11 GMT

>> I would get at least another quote. I'm not familiar with the Tribute
>> engine, but the valves springs on many engines can be changed with out
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Pat

The OP stated they were told by the dealer the engine had a broken valve
spring. Unless someone comes up with proof of such, I tend to not believe
the dealer.

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