Anyone an idea what this could be? Its had the BBR Super 200 mod so I’m thinking it may be camshaft related. The noise appears to be coming from the front of the engine and near the top.
Have you asked BBR about it?
Called but Neil isn’t in yet, I live over 200 miles away as well
Doesn’t sound too good and I don’t think I’d want to drive it 200 miles in that state but I recon Neil will be the best bet to talk to.
Hopefully it’s nothing too bad but I’d love to know how you get on as I’ve had mine done as well.
At work so I can’t listen, but I know that the Auxiliary belt (Fan Belt!) tensioner on mine made an awful clunking noise.
My local Mazda dealer thought it was the Camshaft!
Changing the tensioner and idler plus new belt cured it.
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If it was a camshaft it would be more regular. It sounds very much like a ball race and belt problem somewhere; eg idlers, tensioners (including cam belt), water pump, alternator, air-con, power steering?
Use the mechanic’s stethoscope (very, very carefully) to narrow it down. Stethoscope? A long thin screwdriver, tip to solid metal near the suspected noise, handle near an ear. BEWARE of getting the tip caught in moving parts and then punching the handle through your head!!!
Good luck and be safe.
Well unsurprisingly asking around hasn’t helped as I’ve had a number of different answers. It’s getting towed and taken into a local garage this Monday. This is going to be one very long weekend
Hi, seen this on Miata.net also, have you tried removing the alternator belt and running for a minute or so to see if noise goes away, done this on mine to diagnose a rattle which turned out was from belt tensioner and idler.
It’s probably going to be major, I check the oil semi regularly only went a bit longer this time (brain fart for some reason). I’ve no oil in it, dipstick came back up bone dry, not even a drop right on the bottom of it. It’s going in to a garage on Monday and I’ll know for sure but I’m thinking I’ll need a new engine now. I may get incredibly lucky but doubt it.
Anyone any idea on what sort of costs I’ll be looking at?
Oh dear, that is not good. Of course you will know this now.
I was told by the seller of my Mk3, check, check and check the oil regularly, then you will have no problems.
If it is any help give that man a ring who I bought mine from, Mr Roddison in Sheffield, he should be able to advise…0870 600 8787 he’s a good chap.
Between £2k to £4k.
I’m gutted, can’t believe I’ve been so stupid. I’ll be calling Paul and also AK Automotive if/when my worst fears are confirmed. Good job I’m off this week, as its too warm to cycle the 10 miles to work every day
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Replied to your pm.
dont worry…it’ll not be as bad as you think
Sorry to hear that, always difficult to tell by a video but as I suggested it’s the bottom end caused by lack of oil :(. We have low mileage MK3.5 engines in stock as well as new forged cranks, so could easily replace your crank/bearings. Give us a call on Monday.
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Well it’s in the garage now, fingers and toes crossed time
Bottom end has gone, engine full of metal filings. Middle of the week when they can fully strip it and see the full extent of the damage
Sorry to hear that, just what no one ever wants to hear.
The crank has gone
and the conrods plus it needs a new oil pump