My Mazda Mx-3 KL-ZE has started making a clicking noise. The frequency of the clicking noise is matching the revs of my motor. I took it to a mechanic, and when he listened to the sound said that it definitily was not a connector rod. He THINKS it is my rod bearings.
The problem occured after taking my car on a run up through some twistes to see how my car handled against a CRX with a lot of suspension work. When I got back my alternator belt was ripped off, and this clicking noise began (fixing that didn't change a thing).
I need to know two things:
#1 Is my motor going to incur more damage from light driving? (Given the problem is rod bearings)
#2 Would an unexperienced mechanic be able to replace the upper and lower rod bearings given acess to all the proper tools and a mazda workshop manual?
Edit:
My manual, under "Engine noise - Crankshaft- or bearing-related parts", lists:
Excessive main bearing oil clearance
Main bearing seized or heat-damaged
Excessive crankshaft end play
Excessive connecting rod bearing oil clearance
Connecting rod bearing seized or heat-damaged
Which one would most likely show me how to disassemble my motor to gain access to the rod bearings?
Edit #2:
It looks like I need to lift the car, and drop the oil pan to gain acess to the bearings... I was also warned that there may be other problems if the bearings were excessivly bad... anyone know what else I should be looking for?