Only the first generation of the well-liked sixth series model was equipped with the 2.3-liter Mazda L3C1 engine, which was manufactured at the company’s facility between 2002 and 2008. Actually, there isn’t much of a difference between this power unit and the one with the symbol L3-VE.
The L-engine family also includes:
- 1.8 L – L8‑DE, L813;
- 2.0 L – LF‑DE, LF‑VD, LF17, LFF7;
- 2.3 L – L3‑VE, L3‑VDT, L3C1;
- 2.5 L – L5‑VE.
The engine was installed on:
- Mazda 6 I (GG) in 2002 – 2008.
Specifications
| Production years | 2002-2008 |
| Displacement, cc | 2261 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 165 |
| Torque output, Nm | 205 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 87.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 94 |
| Compression ratio | 10.6 |
| Features | DOHC, balancers |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | S-VT, intake |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda 6 2007) — city — highway — combined |
11.1 6.7 8.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~280 000 |
| Weight, kg | 112 |
Disadvantages of the Mazda L3C1 engine
High lubricant consumption is the subject of the majority of complaints on specialized forums;
Issues with intake manifold flaps rank second in terms of mass;
A thermostat, pump, lambda probe, and engine mounts are among the motor’s weak points.
The timing chain frequently extends after 200,000 kilometers, the phase regulator malfunctions, the valves need to be adjusted every 90,000 kilometers, and there are no hydraulic lifters.