Mazda engine electrical system problem

[Kianbeng]

I went to 1 shop in sin ming today and ask if he got timing light to check/tune my timing. He said my model Mazda 323 protege don't have timing to tune one. Maybe tomorrow I go CitySpeed. They specialise in Mazda......

[Yeobh]

Yes there is no way to physically adjust the base timing fro EFI engines . By checking the timing mark, the mech can detect whether the camshaft and crankshaft timing sensor has shift or loose.

Edited January 5, 2007 by Yeobh

[Kianbeng]

Sorry not cityspeed but cityauto. Went there today liao. The guy said need to leave behind for 1/2 day for diagnostics. Maybe will try to arrange for a weekday.

 

How do you check the timing mark? Do you have a workshop too?

 

So camshaft and crankshaft sensors play a part in this possible timing problem? If so, if the sensors have "shifted or loose" then is it adjustable or just have to replace the 2 sensors?

[Yeobh]

The marking can be on the crankshaft front pulley or flywheel.The timing light flashing ( if the timing is right on the spot) will show the pulley or flywheel mark come in-line with a fix marking on the timing belt or flywheel housing.

 

No I am not a workshop operator neither I am a mechanic. I am a full time salesman and part- time armchair mechanic.

 

The sensors are basically either magnetic or LED proximity switches and due to presence of dirt and oil , the switching may sometime becomes less efficient. The sensor mounting due to vibrations may have been knock out of alignment

Edited January 7, 2007 by Yeobh

[Ae101]

ai yoh, ask ur mechanic to check your water pump ....

[Kianbeng]

Water pump also got involved now? It was changed 40K ago. Changed together with the timing belt. Looked at the old water pump...so sayang...still looks good....not corroded at all....

 

actually I've heard before water pump sound....its different.

Edited January 7, 2007 by Kianbeng

[Kianbeng]

hmm yes I totally understand now....is it going to be a big job? or 1/2hr to 1hr thing?

 

How I wish my 323's an armchair now.

[Yeobh]

Great,as for diagnostic time I am not sure as it can vary from mechanics to mecahnics depending on thier knowledge and tools available.

Right , I choose to be an armchair mechanic , the reason it simple - I only dispense instructions or advice without ever getting my hands soiled and no return job .

[Kianbeng]

Sigh. Feel bad that I had to revive this thread again.

 

Sent my car to CityAuto. But the surrounding noise was so high and it's difficult to pick up the weird knocking sound from the engine. And also it's intermitten and maybe that time, the service advisor happen to be lucky not to hear it happen. But 70% of the time the sound comes on. Otherwise in a few mins later, it'll come back.

 

So no luck with Cityauto who specialises in Mazda. So I headed to another workshop which I've always sent my mum's car there for the past 10 years or so. They specialises in Merc + VW. This group of mechanics in this workshop used to work in C&C last time so picked up all the skills and then opened a new workshop with ITE grads. (I thought that was clever). Anyway, the mechanic boss managed to hear the knocking sound coz it's quite quiet at his big workshop. He said

 

1) This is pinging/knocking noise. Ask me what petrol I use. I said mixture of 95 and 98. He said....no. Our Ron95 is lousy. Cannot use. Merc that use SG Ron95 got alot of problems one.

 

2) Then ask me what engine oil I use. I said cxxxxxe. But quickly add to say it's MB229.3. Immediately he said ok that means 15K drain. But I say I oil change every 10K. He said cxxxxxe very cheap oil is very bad. Need to use Mobil1 then it's proper oil. Even imported Mobil1 @ Carrefour is lousy recycled oil.

 

3) Then he looked around for oil leaks. Then said Conclusion is....your engine is spoilt. This sound comes from the engine bearing. Not worth to repair coz need to overhaul the whole engine. Expensive. Cheaper to scrap your 5yr old 323 and buy a Toyota from BM.

 

He explained that engine bearing problems is like this one. Intermitten and inconsistent "kok kok kok" sound. Not timing belt. Coz the sound is not rhythmic/consistent. He also said its not sensors coz the Check Engine Light is not on, so no Fault code.

 

He also said the reason this engine got prob prematurely is partly because of the RON95 + cxxxxxe usage. I felt so insulted.

 

I want to seek a proper 2nd opinion. any suggestions?

[Sky8807]

I think you really need a second opinion. I don't buy their reasoning.

What does the agent say.

[Kianbeng]

You mean cityauto? Didn't get a chance for the service advisor to hear it. Coz it's always so noisy there. Like a heavy industry. Maybe I can get him to sit inside coz that way, can listen to it also.

 

Ok will have to plan next saturday. But if you guys got any good workshop pls let me know. Really don't want to scrap this car. It's really very good. Fuel efficient also.

[Kianbeng]

Finally sent my car to Cityauto for 2nd opinion. This time I checkin my car for 2 days. 2nd day morning time, the mechanic called to inform he didn't hear it on the 2nd day. 1st day he could still hear it (together with me).

 

Then I reminded him that once aircon is running the sound is gone. Then he hesitated...and said ok he'll try to listen to it again. Around noon time, he called to inform me that he has concluded it's the aircon compressor giving that kind of sound. And it only happens when the aircon compressor is not running, but dragged along by the aircon belt. But he said it's not worth to repair since aircon is still cold.

 

Finally this mystery is solved......thanks for all contributions so far! really unbelieveable. My 323 engine is still in good condition! Currylube's name has been cleared. Ron95 too!