It’s a 4-cyl I4 petrol engine ('95 Mazda 626) with a ticking noise that matches with revs. I’ve had it for a while and it seems to be getting louder as time goes on. It doesn’t go away even after longer drives.
The workshop I’ve used previously haven’t highlighted it when I had the car in for an inspection, but after a recent incident it seems like they’re rather incompetent unfortunately so I’d like some advice on this!
Thanks :)
#update x1
Spoke to the shop again and fished a bit for info. Guy at the desk re-confirmed that the gaiter was busted when I went there, and got rather apologetic when I pointed out that it wasn’t.
They claim that they did notice the lifter tick but said that “it’s common for older cars but you don’t need to worry about it, and it’s a lot of work to fix it”, hence why they didn’t point it out.
I’ll probably postpone looking into this fully until after the road trip.
Roughly two weeks ago oil + filters, did that myself.
Right at the “F” mark on the dipstick
~178’000km
Belt changed @ ~160kkm, two years ago.
Harder to check, I’ll have to get back to you on that one.
The last bit is mainly just to split the hair between the engine and the drivetrain.
Worsening of noise after a recent oil change is not good news. Double check you have used the correct grade of oil.
Couple of people have gone with lifter tick, that (I am told) is a pretty distinct noise and comes with age. If it is, sometimes a flush will sort it for a while. Long term solution will involve teardown though.
I’ve got this issue on one of my old cars, but haven’t bothered fixing. Not worth it. It’s only a junker for running bulky crap around & the dirty jobs. Can’t hear it myself anyway - I’ll know it is a real problem when I can 😂
“Over time” is more like months not weeks. Oil change didn’t have any noticeable effect but most recent start (today) it did quiet slightly after a few minutes under load which seems like a positive sign - haven’t driven it all that much since the oil change but it’s quality oil afaik and matches the service book for colder outdoor tenps.
There are some “internal engine wash” products being marketed (if those are any good?) as well as additives specifically for lifters. Might try that out for the next service.
The noise isn’t audible from inside the car or over road sounds, but certainly (and loudly) when standing outside.