Unknown Engine Noise

I just had the head rebuilt. It has about 300 miles on it since reassembly. I would like to exhaust all other possibilities before tearing back into the head/valves.

I do appreciate the suggestion, though. I just hope that's not it.

A lot of what I read points to a loose timing chain and worn guides. What do you guys think about that possibility?

not sure about your problem, but it IS illegal to run straightpipes in alabama. you may not get pulled over for it depending on how strict your local law enforcment is, but it is illegal, and if you get a state tropper pulling you over, you will be fined or towed.. that said, where in alabama you from?

It does'nt matter if the head was rebuilt or not. The head in these engines have hydraulic lifters. It will cause a ticking noise. This cannot be remedied. I have a hard time believing anyone who says otherwise. Although, it could very well not be your problem.

Ouch, I didn't know that. Thanks.

I live in Alabaster, about 20 minutes South of Birmingham.

Wow man you aren't far from me. Maybe 2 1/2 hours. I could be the lifters...it could be the timing..however these do not have a chain..only a belt. Eshaust yes that too. I would also lookinto seeing if there is something clinging onto the belts. I could be a loose pulley up front as well. Then the worse of all It could be a rod knocking... those are bad.

It's definitely not a rod sound. It's much higher pitch than that. I'm leaning toward the cat idea or possibly a timing chain guide. I'll try to get more specifics of where the noise is coming from today.

A friend of mine suggested it might be a timing/fuel issue. "Pinging" he called it. I don't know if there's a technical name for it. He suggested running a tank high octane gas through it and see if that reduced the noise. If it did, it may be timing related.

Thoughts?

Could be.... Doubtful on a little ole mazda engine but possible. Hey it could be your mechanical fuel pump though...if it is sticking it may click... That is easy to pull and check. It is on the back left side (if you are looking at it from the front) of the head. I believe it is two 10mm bolts. Slides right out.

that does make a lot of sense from the description you are giving. definitely check the ignition timing on it and try running some better gas. gas is so watered down these days, especially non big name companies.