I had my B2600 engine (1991 truck) rebuilt at 95,000 miles (water leak, cracked head). Spent $ 2,100. Upon rebuild (I did the R&R) it immediately used a lot of oil. I pulled it back out and the re-builder tore it down and told me he got some 'mis-marked' rings, and therefore some were installed backwards. Put engine back in (getting a lot faster at it).
It's been 10,000 miles and the engine still uses a lot of oil, although not as much. Most of the oil is being burned right at startup after an overnight rest. I talked to the re-builder about whether seals had been put on the valve stems and he replied that he "never does that on a Mazda". I go through a quart about every 3-400 miles. I think that is excessive. Additionally, the car 'pinged' right from the start. No amount of reasonable timing delay solves the pinging. I can delay it until there is no ping, but, the car runs awful and won't go much over 50 mph if it is retarded.
Have moved out of state since the rebuild and therefore not practical to go back to the re-builder. Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated. Does anybody know whether valve stem seals were used on this model?
Thanks, Ivan Vegvary