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Sudden loud, "sports" engine, and smoke from bottom front of car.


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treverwagenhals
New User

Mar 23, 2015, 6:32 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1438 views)
Sudden loud, "sports" engine, and smoke from bottom front of car. Sign In

Good morning. I currently own a mazda 626, 1999 and it is recently giving me some major issues. After running to a local store the other day, halfway through the drive home (less than 5 miles) the car suddenly began to sound like a loud motorcycle. As far as I recall, there was no major popping or other odd sound before this transition occurred. The sound remains even at idle or in park, and is incredibly loud while accelerating.

Having taken a little bit to look into it, I've narrowed it down to a few things:

The exhaust system: although, the exhaust system is in the back, and the smoke was nowhere near it. If anything, it looked like the smoke flow to the exhaust was even lower.

Catalytic converter: this seems possible because of the location, although I didn't look at it too long as I had to go to school. I didn't think the cat could cause this much noise, however?

A gasket leak or blown gasket: This would explain why the smoke was coming from the bottom, but could that also cause the car to be as loud as it is?

If any of these issues seem to stand out, or there is something else, please let me know.

Aside from that, my car did have a check engine light on before for a turbine speed sensor shaft.

I was actually getting very close to buying a new car. Depending on the issue, it might be more beneficial for me to just call out of work for a few days and go car shopping. But just wanted some advice before hand. Thanks in advance


(This post was edited by treverwagenhals on Mar 23, 2015, 6:33 AM)


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Mar 23, 2015, 6:39 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1430 views)
Re: Sudden loud, "sports" engine, and smoke from bottom front of car. Sign In

It's about impossible to identify a noise without hearing it. Maybe you should trying recording the sound and posting it on youtube. Then you can post the link here.



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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Mar 23, 2015, 8:35 AM

Post #3 of 3 (1419 views)
Re: Sudden loud, "sports" engine, and smoke from bottom front of car. Sign In

? Yes a YouTube of the whole noise and try to capture right where from if possible or just hoist car enough to look at exhaust parts which go from engine all the way out back but would make more noise from a failure/leak before the muffler itself.


These use a thermostat gasket type connection and flex pipe like many and can just go by surprise like that. Smoke could be heat from the break/leak at either something oily or that shouldn't be exposed at all (most of system) to direct exhaust heat and make smoke.


Worth a look. If just a neck to a connection you could ask if a muffler shop especially would make up a new one or what would be needed. The right fix with exhaust is to replace all parts that are weak but if you are already now to trade for another vehicle you will not recoup costs of going nuts on it for repairs but the noise and smoke (if that's harmless or a disaster unknown) would lower value and might not be safe at all to drive this now!


If your code or malfunction light went out and it's running well forget it.


I'm focused on that you were about ready to swap this car out anyway and now would be a good time IMO but AFTER the noise and smoke is fixed if reasonable to do so,


T







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