The Most Common 2.3 Mazda L3-DE Engine Problems

The L3-DE engine is a four-cylinder engine from the Japanese automaker Mazda, which was produced and installed on cars from 2001 to 2011.

The volume of this engine is 2.3 liters, power – from 159 to 163 horsepower. Most often, this engine can be found on a Mazda MPV. Engine blocks are made exclusively from aluminum, and liners are made from cast iron.

Read Also: The Most Common 2.0 Mazda PE-VPS Engine Problems

L3-DE engine Specifications

Specifications
Volume (cm3)2261
Power (hp)150-180
Torque200-220 Nm
Timing driveChain
Environmental classEuro 4
Fuel typeGasoline AI-92
ICE featuresDOHC
Supply systemdistribution injection
Hydraulic liftersNot
Cylinder blockAluminum R4
Cylinder headAluminum 16v
Cylinder diameter87.5 mm
Piston stroke94 mm
Compression ratio10.6
Phase regulatorNot
TurbochargingNot
Engine oil4.7L 5W-30
Average resource300,000 km

Advantages And Reliability of the L3-DE engine

The main advantages of this engine are its good dynamics and increased maintainability. With the declared volume, the car easily develops a speed of 200 km per hour and above. 2.3 liters is enough to create a torque of 207 Nm / 4000 rpm.

Engine parts are arranged in such a way that they can be quickly and effortlessly replaced with new ones. Maintenance of ICE consumables is carried out through a special technical hole, which is provided in the front of the engine. Through it, even a layman can unlock the ratchet and adjust the degree of chain tension.

Disadvantages and problems of the L3-DE engine

As practice shows, there were no very significant factory “pain points” for the L3-DE engine. With proper operation, compliance with regulations and timely replacement of all consumables, its approximate resource can be 400,000 kilometers.

The only thing that experts recommend periodically paying attention to is the oil level, which should not fall below a critical mark.

Applicability of L3-DE engine

  • Mazda : 3 (2003-2008), 5 (2004-2010), 6 (2002-2008), Biante (2008-2018), MPV (2006-2016), Tribute (2004-2008)

L3-DE engine Tuning prospects

The L3-DE engine lends itself quite well to tuning. The most popular and, at the same time, safe improvements are:

  • changing the ignition timing by a few degrees;
  • tuning the exhaust system. For this, motorists most often use the CorkSport, AutoExe, Greddy systems. And to avoid the removal of the catalyst, you can additionally install a proprietary catback;
  • chip tuning;
  • jetter. This is a small electrical device that speeds up the response of the throttle to the pressure on the gas pedal.
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