96 Mazda 626 engine noise

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Ok, this time I did a search first but didn't find anything. Trying to find another car for my son, I'm looking at a 1996 Mazda 626 with 2.5 L V-6 (Ford engine). Engine runs very strong but has a top end noise I can't figure out. Doesn't sound metallic but almost like a playing card in the spokes of a bicycle. Seems to be coming from the right side, possibly from the timing chain area. Owner said he was told it might be something to do with the water pump. I thought possibly fuel injectors? Doesn't sound at all like the valve-train but I'm wondering if any of you gurus have run across this before.

As always, thanks for the input.
Steve

[Ron's Asphalt]

Try to locate the noise. Take a looooong screwdriver, place the handle at your ear, and the tip at various places on the engine while it is running. BE CAREFUL!, don't let it catch on any moving parts. Don't have any smart asses around who will hit the horn while your doing this ( yes, that happened ). The noise will be noticeably louder at the source.

[Pickering Snow]

Steve

Dont bother honeslty the 2.5 engine in the Mystic, cougar, and the 626 is another problem child. More than likly a Wpump bearing or timing parts a whole lot of work to fix and you still are stuck with a engine that takes massive labor to fix, ie the alt comes out threw the bottom after the cradle is dropped...:rolleyes:

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Ron, thanks for the tip. I've done the same before but wasn't prepared. I prefer to use a piece of wood as I don't have to worry about leaky plug wires, etc. Never have been crazy about sticking my brain against the end of a metal rod, even with the handle.

Fred, thanks so much for the advise. I'll steer clear of the 2.5.

Had to take a trip to our daughter in Marion, Indiana and I found a clean, great running 96 Gran Prix 3.1 there. Car drives great and I was ready to hand over cash. The seller said he had taken the car in-trade for other work, and that the previous owner was behind his payments. He said he paid off the balance, and showed me the title which listed the owner as American General Financial Service, no other name on it. On the back under the seller info was a signature and printed name, "Mgr". behind it. Nothing filled out under date, mileage, etc. He said it was the sign off from the Lien holder and the title was clear. I had no way of knowing if this an actual sign-off from the bank or if he just had someone sign a fake name on the back. Every vehicle I've bought/sold either had a clear title, or a sign-off letter from the bank. I'll call the finance company on Monday but I'm wondering if this is common in other states.

Anybody run into this before?

On edit, I just noticed the date on this title is 9/3/09. I'm wondering if maybe this is issued when a vehicle is repoed?

If all is well, I'll probably go back on Monday but I didn't want to somehow get stung or have a huge problem getting a title.

[Pickering Snow]

Steve

The title was issued off a repo since 9/3/09 is listed and the owner is finace company no secured party listed. Problem is most finace companys always hold the title this way before and during repo be it primary listed or secured party. SO you know has well has anybody that lives in this state there not gonna probley accept Mgr after a sig you need that finace companys stamp or a letter head attached saying the car is lean free.

Since the company is in the same town you were in i would take the title with you and the guy and have them attach a typical release letter to staple with title. FYI since you allowed the whole Vin it does belong to the primary on title check usally when i run these they will state the primary like it does but there will be a foot note of sign off i dont see that.. meaning has far has the DMV is concerned it still belongs to the finace company regardless of a ink pen sig and Mgr after.

Again it could be considered a legit sig in that town but cross back to this Nazi state and like any RD1 forum or MSO i have ever processed from out of state be prepared for a fight. The worst ones i have done are out of state MSO's the only one i have never been grilled to death on was the Chopper lucky for me the people at the SS office here one had read the article in the paper and two knew Vinnie was on TV that was the easyest one i have done. Fyi in NY they call them Mso has we call them Cert's of orgin here.

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Steve

The title was issued off a repo since 9/3/09 is listed and the owner is finace company no secured party listed. Problem is most finace companys always hold the title this way before and during repo be it primary listed or secured party. SO you know has well has anybody that lives in this state there not gonna probley accept Mgr after a sig you need that finace companys stamp or a letter head attached saying the car is lean free.

Since the company is in the same town you were in i would take the title with you and the guy and have them attach a typical release letter to staple with title. FYI since you allowed the whole Vin it does belong to the primary on title check usally when i run these they will state the primary like it does but there will be a foot note of sign off i dont see that.. meaning has far has the DMV is concerned it still belongs to the finace company regardless of a ink pen sig and Mgr after.

Again it could be considered a legit sig in that town but cross back to this Nazi state and like any RD1 forum or MSO i have ever processed from out of state be prepared for a fight. The worst ones i have done are out of state MSO's the only one i have never been grilled to death on was the Chopper lucky for me the people at the SS office here one had read the article in the paper and two knew Vinnie was on TV that was the easyest one i have done. Fyi in NY they call them Mso has we call them Cert's of orgin here.

Thanks Fred. This unwillingness by the Sec State to accept a sig on the back was exactly what I was concerned about. Are you saying that even if I get a release letter from Amer Gen Financial I'm still looking at a battle with the SS? I need to get wheels so my son can to college/work so it sounds like I may be back to watching CL.

Thanks again

[Pickering Snow]

Thanks Fred. This unwillingness by the Sec State to accept a sig on the back was exactly what I was concerned about. Are you saying that even if I get a release letter from Amer Gen Financial I'm still looking at a battle with the SS? I need to get wheels so my son can to college/work so it sounds like I may be back to watching CL.

Thanks again

Steve

I think you would be fine if you can get a release letter like we get up here from loaning companys stating the car is lean free, just dont think the ink sig is gonna cut it up here. The car looks nice and would be worth it perhaps make a call today from home to this finace company and get the info you need saving a wasted trip back to IN. I always have liked that body style and they suffer less issues with intake and Hgaskets than the sec gen 3.1 and 3.4.

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Called Amer Gen Financial and they will provide letter, Mich Sec State said it shouldn't be a problem with that. I'll have my daughter pick it up tonight and drive it back to Mich this weekend. Thanks again for the advice on this.

In the meantime, I picked up a 98 Cavalier w/2.2 4 cyl auto for my son to drive. I've got a headlight issue I'm trying to fix on this one but I'll start a different thread if I can't find the answer with a search.

Thanks,
Steve