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Hi
My 1999 mazda familia with 177000kms on the clock is having noisy vibration noises from the engine. It is freaking me out, it gets louder when you rev the engine, but not particularly as you go faster. Ive checked the oil which is at the full mark and is 5000kms old, the coolant is also good. There is plenty of oil on the cams when I opened the oil filler cap. There is no warning lights, and the car has no smoke out of exhaust. The car is able to rev well still and drivability has not really changed..just the fact it has got so noisy even when the engine is warm..it just wont go away.

This has began to happen after my 100km trip from Pipiroa along the back roads. It did not do it on the trip back, but has started this morning. It is also worth noting that I did have an issue with a stone getting stuck in the wheel weights and rubbing against the brake calliper. There was a loud craunching noise at some traffic lights when I was slowing down where I believe the stone got stuck. I have taken the front wheel off, dislodged the stone and it no longer rubs...I just thought I would add this in just in case it helps but I doubt it will.

The other thing is there seems to be ants under the bonnet, crawling along from the bottom chassis of the engine bay. I don't know whether this could potentially be an issue if the ants got into somewhere they shouldn't have, but an engine is a sealed unit so it shouldn't have. (However, do you have a safe method of eradicating ants from the engine bay, I sprayed fly spray around the edges and down into the chassis at the bottom of the engine bay to kill them, but afterwards I realised it was flammable so I lightly hosed down the area I sprayed with water (I wouldn't be at risk now right, I would have sprayed away the flammable material?)

In short, If you would have any idea what is causing the vibration noises. I have provided everything that has happened to the car lately that would be much appreciated. And also do you have a safe, non flammable method of getting rid of ants under the engine bay and why they might be there in the first place because Im stunned if I know?

Thanks

Mitchell

Hello Mitchell,
There are many possible causes of an engine vibration, so it really needs to be checked out by a mechanic or someone who knows what they're looking at.
Broken or worn engine mounts, balance problems, deteriorating belts, faults with alternators, pulleys or other ancilliary items etc can all be potential issues. Also, are you sure it's a vibration? We often hear people describing a misfire as a vibration, with possible causes for misfiring being spark plugs, leads, coils, mechanical issues etc.
Unfortunately, there are so many possibilities that without seeing/hearing it, we can only guess.
In regards to eradicating ants, there are numerous safe solutions without the use of chemicals. Many suggestions can be found here.

I took it in to a mechanic...sound like a failed hydraulic cam lifter. Im going to hate how much thats going to cost..and its not really the most perfect of time to do it as im not going to get it back untill jan so thats a bit upsetting
thanks for the help though

Just as an idea as my mechanic hasnt told me, and I know your advice would be to ring the aa mechanical department but knowing how busy with everyone wanted to get their cars checked as this time of year Ill leave them alone, do you have any idea what it would cost to have a faulty hydraulic lifter with labour replaced on a twin-cam engine in general?
Thanks

Not really, and I'd think any garage would be cautious about quoting for this job until they get into the job.

Hi Again

My mechanic rang me. The gear on the vvti system has moved out of place, chewing the teeth on the vvti system and also moving the cambelt slightly of the gear and wearing the cambelt. No damage has been done, but now my mechanic wants to charge me for another cambelt which was only replaced about not even 2000kms ago? I dont think thats right, there should be a warranty on the cambelt shouldnt there??

No, the cambelt won't be covered by warranty if it was damaged due to a problem with the VVT system.

ok thanks