Hi Folks, I have had a diagnosis from a local mechanic that confirms I have a that stretched timing chain, and while he's putting a quote together for me I have been doing more reading on MSF, in relation to a mild vibration through my clutch pedal, my nerves are shattered considering the prospect of a bent rod.
I did ask the mechanic to be aware that the light knocking and ticking could also be associated with a bent rod, and could he check the piston heights when he had the top open to inspect the chain and VVT, I can't remember if he told me he did check piston heights or not, and I'm starting to get nervous about another incorrect or at least incomplete diagnosis. My car is still covered under the 3month QLD statutory warranty, but I maybe only have 7 weeks left on it and I don't want to be stuck with a blown motor.
I just went to check on the clutch pedal vibration with the car from cold, and I have to say it's just not there, it only seems to be evident on a warmed up engine as is the knocking and ticking, although the chain noise at start up is there for 1-2 seconds from cold.
My thoughts were to say F&*%k it and take it to my local MAZDA service center for a diagnosis, but from what others have said about the 20yr old tech on $22/hr while Madza charges you $150/h, and not exactly grasping the vibrating clutch/blown engine theory, I could pay for a diagnosis and still get told the wrong thing.
The clutch vibration is only slight, but it is there when you take up the slack when you first press the pedal.
Does the fact that it is not present when cold say it's not a bent rod?