Engine idling sounds like a sewing machine

[waltz777]

My 2005 Mazda 3 GT has 110,000 KMs on it. I've changed the oil at the recommended intervals and such but for the last couple of months when at idle it sounds like a sewing machine (clickety-click ....).

This happens when I start it up in the mornings and when I'm stopped. The car runs fine though and it's not a loud noise but certainly not whisper quiet as it use to be ....

A friend of mine suggested that I might need to get a valve adjustment which I have yet to do ... suggestions, thoughts ???

thanks!

[Thrizzl3]

i know when i start my car in the morning it makes alot of ticking noises but as soon as it warms up the ticking goes away.

[DruidB]

90% of the time that type of sound in those circumstances is the top end of the motor...

[sas]

The sewing machine sound is the sound of unadjusted valves, and this mileage presumes the valve adjusting.
But ,as I noticed, this sound is developing gradually. Firstly on the cold engine only.
The interval until you will hear this sound constantly is quite long. I think 50-100 kKm since you noticed it. Bring your car to the mechanic, the enine has many parts to make such sounds.

[wikdslo]

The sewing machine sound is the sound of unadjusted valves, and this mileage presumes the valve adjusting.But ,as I noticed, this sound is developing gradually. Firstly on the cold engine only.
The interval until you will hear this sound constantly is quite long. I think 50-100 kKm since you noticed it. Bring your car to the mechanic, the enine has many parts to make such sounds.


sas has it spot on. Check the maintenance schedule. (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=10711)

Every 96,000 km or 48 months
Inspect engine coolant level , Inspect function of all lights, Lubricate all locks and hinges, Replace engine oil, Replace oil filter, Replace air cleaner element, Replace coolant, Inspect disc brakes (front and rear) and lubricate caliper slide rails/pins, Inspect brake drum system including parkingbrake, Inspect fuel lines and hoses, Inspect exhaust system and heat shields, Inspect driveshaft dust boots, Inspect all suspension components front and rear including ball joints and driveshafts, Inspect emission hoses and tubes, Inspect manual transmission oil, Drive Belt Tension Inspect every 56,000 kms, Engine Valve Clearance Audible check and adjust if noisy every 120,000 kms, Replace spark plugs at 120,000 kilometres.

[waltz777]

Ok, that sounds reasonable as this sound has ben around since .... I'd say 65,000KMs ... any other suggestions ... car runs smooth otherwise ...

[Flagrum_3]

Ok, that sounds reasonable as this sound has ben around since .... I'd say 65,000KMs ... any other suggestions ... car runs smooth otherwise ...

If the 'same' sound has been around since 65k it is unlikely that your valves are making the sound or need adjusting, although at your mileage I would still have the valves listened too by a tech....I would suggest the sound could also be your Injectors, as mine as well click away all the time and they have gotten louder over time.


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