front end ticking noise

[mjstew]

hey all im pretty new here and i just bought an 04 3i and i love it beyond belief, but when running idle it makes a slight ticking noise from the front end. it goes away as soon as i start driving, and it doesnt have an erratic idle or anything, it just ticks a bit. the oil was changed about 1000 miles ago, and it looks clean and is not low on oil or anything. performance seems very good, as i compared it to an 08 with under 9000 miles before buying this one.

I've heard that since the 3s have a steel timing chain, they can be a little noisier than a regular belt, but im not sure if that would be the same noise.

anyone have any ideas?

thanks

 

[fam]

The ticking is normal. Believe it the lifters\springs, doesnt mean anything is wrong. Usually when its new you wont hear it, but as time goes on (even early in ownership it comes) Embrace it, shes not a time bomb.

 

[mjstew]

yeah i didnt think it was very serious but i figured i might as well ask.

 

[vladjan]

i had the same problem, took it to the dealer and they said the intake manifold is leaking...
i had extended warranty, they replaced it and it and the sound went away. Now i drove abour 30k after the service and im beggining to hear the noise again. I dont think it's serious, so don't worry about it : ) i have a 2004 mazda 3I and i LOVE IT

 

[mjstew]

i stopped by my mechanic this afternoon and he said it was probably the timing chain, and not to be concerned by it. ive heard about the issue with the IM so i dont know what to believe anymore. maybe i should stop by a dealership and let them test it but theyre money leeches.