My first thread... Unfortunately in the help section:( Engine noise?

[Cmezz331]

Hey everyone.
ive had my msp for about 2 years now, and right after i got it, the headgasket blew, so i had mazda replace it. ( <<--probably doesnt have anything to do with my problem, but i figured id state it anyway)

Ive noticed that when driving in , at about 2700-3300rpms(in any gear), my engine clicks. or something in the engine bay clicks. when i accelerate it sounds fine, just when i hit that rpm level. Cold engine or warm, makes no difference.
Could it be my turbo? or is it a more serious engine problem?

background info: 2003 msp with 81k, bone stock.

I will try to get a video of it tomorrow.
(as you can tell, im new to this stuff and was lucky enough to have this as my first car. i plan on putting some money into it, but am wondering if this is something i should address asap)

ALL help is appreciated.
Thanks guys
Cory

 

[Cmezz331]

 

[Cmezz331]

there it is guys, im in first or second gear at 2500-3000 rpms warmed up, stock, no mods

 

[Jo060]

It's hard to tell where I am right now, but from what I can here it sounds like a bit of piston slap (Rod knock)...hopefully not...hopefully it's just something loose.

I'll listen to it again when it's less noisy.
Have you done regular oil changes, is there proper amount of oil in the engine now?

 

[powderider87]

I had the noise you are describing with my msp as well, would go away as soon as i would accererate. i narrowed it down to the rod bearings and replaced them, luckily the crank was just fine. The noise went away and the bearings were scored pretty bad. That was on my last motor.

 

[powderider87]

Oh and hey i see your in mpls!

 

[Cmezz331]

Yes I am indeed! How hard is that/ how much to get it professionally vs by myself( yeah, right) or with help( lots of it actually)

 

[Cmezz331]

And all oil changes every 3000 miles with Valvoline full synthetic with the engine guarantee( what does that even cover?)

 

[Jo060]

Yes I am indeed! How hard is that/ how much to get it professionally vs by myself( yeah, right) or with help( lots of it actually)

It all depends on your knowledge. It's possible to replace the bearings without pulling the engine. The bearings can be accessed by dropping (removing) the oil pan. However, a lot of the time if bearings go bad, you usually have to have your crank turned. Powderrider lucked out and didn't need that...hopefully you'll be just as lucky!

If you have the extra funds and a little down time to be without the car it may be worthwhile to you to rebuild the engine while you have part of it apart anyway. Maybe throw some stronger parts in there.

 

[Jo060]

And all oil changes every 3000 miles with Valvoline full synthetic with the engine guarantee( what does that even cover?)

Eh nothing really. It basically has to be a "qualifying vehicle". So it's kind of a BS gimmick. If your engine blows, and you go to Valvoline to cash in on the guarantee they'll throw you the "well it was damaged prior to using our oil" Basically just like a car warranty...useless.

 

[Cmezz331]

Yeah I haven't ever really done anything to an engine......

 

[Jo060]

Yeah I haven't ever really done anything to an engine......

If you have the time, it's a great way to learn about an engine, and learn your war around tools. It's not terribly hard, but it's definitely something you want to take your time and do right the first time.
If you do plan on having a shop do it, it will be pretty expensive. I can't say for sure as every shop varies

 

[Cmezz331]

Yeah, it'd be fun, but I don't have another car to drive, and I don't really have a place to work on it. What would you estimate it would be roughly

 

[Jo060]

Do you know of any family mechanics? They may be able to hook you up. You'll save money buying your own parts. If I had to guess a price I'd say $1,200+ but I could be WAY off.
It's definitely worth calling around to find the best price. Maybe you can befriend a mechanic and pay him to do it as a side job at his house with your help. You'll learn a lot.
Just remember money talks.

 

[Cmezz331]

shiiiiiiooooottt. okay. my dad knows a guy who owns a shop. so what parts would i need for that? unless powderider87 wants to come help me fix my car haha

 

[Jazza]

hi there guys iv just joined the site today but have been using it to try and fix the problem with my MP2000 but i live in south africa and the car is not big in the styling part of things here in SA.. so to find after market parts is impossible here in south africa.... i have one or two problems with my protege... that hopefully ill be able to get help sorting out now that i can speak to people who have the same car... the first is all i want to know is it a normal for the car to be so heavy on petrol?? and my car developed a slight jerk when im mostly driving up a hill?? if any one could point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated

 

[powderider87]

ohh man that was a big job for me and i was working out of a friends garage with everything. The only real problem was getting the main bearing support plate off i didnt know about the 2 hidden bolts under the bellhousing so that took me for a spin. I ended up drilling 2 holes in the bell housing. For parts just the bearings.

 

[Cmezz331]

okay. yeah what kind/ where would i find those? like i said, total noob here. and if i were to upgrade something engine wise whilst getting it repaired what would you get (for like 500$)?

 

[Cmezz331]

or would you upgrade something else before doing the engine?

 

[Cmezz331]

hi there guys iv just joined the site today but have been using it to try and fix the problem with my MP2000 but i live in south africa and the car is not big in the styling part of things here in SA.. so to find after market parts is impossible here in south africa.... i have one or two problems with my protege... that hopefully ill be able to get help sorting out now that i can speak to people who have the same car... the first is all i want to know is it a normal for the car to be so heavy on petrol?? and my car developed a slight jerk when im mostly driving up a hill?? if any one could point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated

post a new thread in the help sections. not in mine please