this post was submitted on 06 Jul 2025
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Mechanic Advice

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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.

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[โ€“] [email protected] 0 points 4 days ago (1 children)
  • Last oil change

Roughly two weeks ago oil + filters, did that myself.

  • Current oil level

Right at the "F" mark on the dipstick

  • Mileage

~178'000km

  • Timing belt/chain history

Belt changed @ ~160kkm, two years ago.

  • If the noise is present in neutral as well as in gear, and if there is any perceived difference between the two.

Harder to check, I'll have to get back to you on that one.

[โ€“] [email protected] 0 points 4 days ago

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 ๐Ÿ˜‚