Piston Slap: Inject Fuel Directly into…Oil?

Evan writes: Sajeev, I have a piston slap question for a friend at work. She drives an '11 Mazda CX-7 2.3. For over a year she has had an issue with fuel in the oil. Enough that the oil level has been as much as 1″ above the full mark on the dipstick as a result (oil level was checked after service, and frequently between services). This is noticed within weeks of service/oil change. The issue seems to be worse with more short trips, and the car has been serviced as recommended by Mazda (or more frequent oil changes when warranty fixes attempted). The dealer has had the car repeatedly over the last year, and now continuously for over 2 months. They have replaced the HPFP 6 times as well as replacing the injectors twice. Leakdown and compression tests show no issues. Canada has no lemon law (just horrible binding arbitration), or the car would probably be a buyback by now. The dealer has spent over 13k in repairs trying to fix it. They are at a loss, and Mazda forums haven't helped, so I come to you and the B&B hat in hand. Also, even if they can fix it how much damage will so much fuel dilution cause? Should they demand and reasonably expect some sort of engine warranty extension? Sajeev answers: I am totally bummed to hear about your lack of Lemon Law-ing ability in this case.  O, Canada!  I would seek more information on arbitration and contact Mazda Canada formally (AND via Social Media) to see if they'll do anything. Sell this Mazda after the (possible extended engine) warranty expires…unless you're thinking what I am thinking.  Ya know, an LS4 swap. Mmm, LS4-FTW…that would be so awesome. (cue harp strings, dream sequence)  OH YEAH!  Front wheel drive…with BALLS!  Zoom-ZOOM-Zoom! Ahem, now where were we? Finding conclusive information on why fuel-oil dilution exists is tough via Google, but this SAE paper might contain the truth. Too bad I'm too cheap to buy it, too lazy to read and summarize for everyone's benefit. Maybe some engineers with active SAE memberships can chime in here? What say you, Best and Brightest?  Time to get a lawyer?   Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you're in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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