Small issues from oversea

Tosmo · 09-09-2009, 07:13 AM

Greetings from France !

I've been running a great '96 Ford Probe, 2L engined, 5 speed manual for almost 10 years, bought in 2000 second hand, and achieved the great 200000 KM mark a few months ago.

It has been a fantastic ride for all these years, both reliable and (decently) performing. But age took it's toll and I have to face a few mechanical issues now.

For starters ( pun intended ), the starter motor is failing me, and parts are not cheap in France ... (1600e from the Ford dealership, and other manufacturers don't offer it, since the Probe sold very poorly :x). Does anyone know if I can get it from Mazda?

Another problem is that the engine is making a ticking noise, that increases with revs. Is there a way to sort that?

Finally, sometimes when idling the revs fall and I notice a serious power drop for a few seconds, then everything returns to normal. I've checked the plugs, coils, wired, fuel lines and couldn't find the cause. Any insight ?

regards,
Luis

supradogs · 09-09-2009, 10:33 AM

well your problem sounds like a timing problem but i could be wrong and yes you can get parts from mazda its the same car as the 626,mx6.

robfer03 · 09-09-2009, 01:42 PM

Have you had your check engine light checked for trouble codes? If you could post those they would help.

The ticking noise could be the timing tensioner (well you are speaking of the 2.0L not the 2.5L, may not have one) or HLA ticking. Post a video will help those familiar with the ticking noises Probes often have.

So in France you cannot go to a parts store and buy an aftermarket starter for your car? Have you checked any websites?

Not only does it sound like a timing issue but I would also look into a vac leak. I would think that would be the problem. Update us with what maintenance you have done to your 96 PSE please.

blue beast · 09-09-2009, 02:39 PM

If you want to try it, taking apart the starter and cleaning the commutater with 1000 grit sandpaper then cleaning the grooves out with a sharp plastic pick, sanding the brushes a bit if they aren't too worn down and then relubing the bendix and bearings/bushings will most likely get you a few thousand more km out of it! I would clean the IAC with carb cleaner because they get dirty and sticky after awhile. You could remove the HLA's and clean them(with a thin oil or atf) and see if they will pump back up but those are more than likely going to need a replacement!

Tosmo · 09-10-2009, 01:29 AM

Thanks for the advice, I'll see what I can do this weekend and keep you posted.

The ticking problem doesn't seem to be timing related, it's been there since I bought the car, only recently it's more noticeable. I've changed the timing belt around 10000 miles ago, checked timing, and adjusted the distributor accordingly.

Also, I'm running exclusively on Premium ( or 98 octane unleaded fuel as we call it in Europe ).

I'll try to check the light codes too, in case something shows up

robfer03 · 09-10-2009, 06:26 AM

I would suggest adding some additives to your oil next oil change. Here in the States I like to use 1 quart Lucas Oil Treatment and from time to time I'll add a bottle of Restore. The Restore they have for each different motor (I4, V6 etc). I would also run a better oil to see if that would help with the ticking. Sometimes you have to spend a little extra. Have also read running Sea Foam will help eliminate any tick you hear. I have run it to clean up carbon build up. Bottle had directions on that. But again do not know what products you have access to across seas. Hope this info gives you some insight and get your issues taken care of.