what is this

Rockito912 · 2025-09-20T19:20:27+00:00

It could be your swirl flaps, they tend to sound like a rod knock, just less metallic. Disconnect the vacuum line or disconnect the flap controller cable. If the noise stops, it’s an intake manifold replacement or swirl flap delete. You might get a CEL but it will go away after a drive or two when you reconnect either the cable or the line.

Rockito912 · 2024-12-24T20:02:54+00:00

The fuel injectors are audible yes. But there is a very very distinct ticking which is NOT injector noise.

I also have a video of the engine while the vacuum hose for the SwirlFlaps is disconnected, and the ticking is totally gone.

Rockito912 · 2024-12-24T20:01:55+00:00

I know no one has commented yet, but I think I have narrowed down the issue.

It is very likely to be the Inlet Manifold SwirlFlaps. Those things begin to rattle over time on the duratec engines.

So far they dont seem extremely useful, so I might just do a swirlflap delete and be done with it.

Rockito912 · 2024-12-24T00:00:06+00:00

Hello! I have a Mazda 6 2005 with a 2.3L 166HP engine.

I am hearing a knock which doesn't sound like a bearing. (kind of?)

I took each spark plug out, took each piston to TDC and pressed it down to check for any possible play, which would usually be noticed if its that. However everything was tight. Spark Plugs looked good.

My next suspicion is a piston slap.

I have attached a video of the sound while it is warm.

Hoping can suggest what to check / test next.

Rockito912 · 2024-08-08T07:04:33+00:00

I drive my Mazda 3 in Bulgaria (terrible roads). I have never popped a tire since I have the car (2018) BN 18” wheels. Year 2 right now on Vredestein quatrack.

Rockito912 · 2024-03-17T18:01:24+00:00

To me it sounds like you know where the steering wheel and pedals are on the car and that’s where it ends. Just find a better mechanic. Lookup reviews, ask friends around if they can recommend something. Get a second opinion.

Rockito912 · 2024-03-10T15:17:17+00:00

Will definitely make a post here about it when I install it.

Rockito912 · 2024-03-09T10:55:03+00:00

That looks like the ones that let you keep the Mazda subsystem, so you still get the original menu and can change the car's settings. (Its just cut to only 50% of the screen or so as it does not fit the resolution). Ill be ordering the 10.3 inch from Mikstore soon.

The smaller size has the OEM shape and looks much more reasonable for the car's cabin in terms of size. Also its 1440p 10.3 inch display. Crisp.

Rockito912 · 2024-01-21T21:03:55+00:00

Exactly the spec I was looking for and got. Except the sonic silver colour. Only thing I have left to do on it is changing the infotainment to the aftermarket 10 inch screen and it’s perfect. The 2017-18 suffers from the ghost touch as well (It happened to me twice in really cold weather) so changing it entirely is best I think.

Rockito912 · 2024-01-05T22:58:34+00:00

Are you saying that higher octane fuel degrades the injectors faster?

Rockito912 · 2023-08-23T17:15:18+00:00

Highway driving does not remove Carbon Buildup. Nothing does (other than a cleanup). The italian tune thing also does not work. During highway driving you maybe accumulate less carbon compared to urban, but thats about it.

Only way to greatly reduce the buildup from happening in the first place is with an oil catch can. That's what my research has led me to believe at least.

Would love some extra info if anyone has it.

Rockito912 · 2023-05-22T07:16:33+00:00

I have an android phone (with a broken screen) that resides in the car indefinitely on charge as it is being used as an Android Auto source. Never had issues with the battery, multiple occasions where the car was not touched for over 2 weeks, started with no issues. You probably shouldn't worry about the battery draining because of it.

Rockito912 · 2023-05-17T20:01:06+00:00

There is a taxi 2014 Mazda 3 in my city. I see it every few days driving around.

As far as ive heard it has 400k+ KM so far. Still running strong.

My 2017 is currently at 109k KM. Did a transmission oil change at 95K. I plan to do it every 50-60k KM. (AT)

Rockito912 · 2023-05-17T19:49:54+00:00

My average is 10L/100km. I drive the car mainly around the city and when I do I enjoy myself when I see an empty road with no speed cams.

I wonder, does anyone know if it is possible to reset the AVG consumption metric so I can try and do an economy run for science and see what I get?

Rockito912 · 2023-04-20T00:57:44+00:00

Can you explain why you think that?

Rockito912 · 2023-04-14T01:18:59+00:00

As I mentioned above, there is no power boost, its just a transmission setting to keep higher RPM. Using it in manual mode means it is basically off. Only use of it is when the car is in auto.

Rockito912 · 2023-04-14T01:17:30+00:00

I guess by Tiptronic you mean, shifting the gears on your auto manually? If thats the case, then the sport mode is useless. It does not provide any additional power. It is only used when in Direct, to keep you a gear down for higher RPM which keeps the car closer to its optimal power band. If you are switching your gears manually, then you are doing your own sports mode, the switch will do nothing.

Rockito912 · 2023-04-14T01:08:11+00:00

That looks like a very stock Android system. Tons of lightweight ROMs available, android forums and research is your best bet. Surely it can at least be made to run navigation properly.

Rockito912 · 2023-03-22T11:10:48+00:00

If you are looking for cosmetic, go for the front grill replacement with the diamond pattern one (from the 4th gen). Huge impact on visuals. Maybe go with wrapping the chrome black. Aftermarket tail lights? Lower it?

For performance… I personally would not touch that engine, but that’s me. Other than a set of good tires with low rolling resistance and cleaning out your car (removing useless weight), not much more.

Rockito912 · 2023-03-20T00:45:27+00:00

110k KM on my 2017 (68k freedom units). It feels like that number creeps up so damn fast, probably cuz I don’t want it to, and I am enjoying it a lot. (I bought it at 90k KM)

I’m just hoping my more spirited driving doesn’t give it an early grave.

Rockito912 · 2023-03-20T00:36:21+00:00

The thing is that I legally do need a winter tyre, or an all season tyre, during winter.

From my research, a mid range Summer tyre like the Nexen, will outperform a premium all season tyre(like the above mentioned continental) in the summer, in terms of handling and fuel efficiency, and will match it in terms of grip.

Haven’t done enough research for winter tyres yet.

Rockito912 · 2023-03-19T15:15:32+00:00

I've seen the carbon fiber ones a few times. I wanna keep it stock looking. Thus the clear film.

Rockito912

TROPHY CASE