Hi I have a 2003 mazda tribute v6 auto 270,000 kms. I love my tribute and would prefer to keep it. It has had a loss of power n struggles up a hill. It also has a whistle sound that gets louder when i excellerate.
Ive replaced fuel filter, pcv valve, cleaned MAS sensor.

Mechanics say the whistle is coming from inside the engine, possible camshaft bearing. He also said its not the belts.

Fault Codes PO174, PO171, PO230.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Was the PCV hose collapsed and also replaced? 171-174 are lean codes so I'm leaning towards a vacuum leak causing the whistle. 230 code is in the fuel pump circuit which may explain power loss. Time for some good diag rather than keep throwing parts at it. Could be anything from a bad pump to wiring connection.

 

Thanks
Mechanic had it for nearly 2 weeks n the best they could come up with was to open the engine to see if its the crankshaft bearing. But thats $2000 i dont have n it is just what they suspect is the problem.

I dont know if the replaced the hose when they replaced the pcv part.

 

Just thinking, which is dangerous I know, could this whistle be coming from the back side of engine? Exhaust?

A collapsed exhaust component will restrict the flow, whistle, and reduce power since the exhaust can not escape. A real sever case will blow apart or melt the EGR valve.

Doesn't explain the fuel pump circuit code though.

 

Dad was here n had a listen. He says the sound is like a belt. But mechanic says its not a belt. And its coming from the front of the engine.

Previous to the car being with the mechanic, i thought there was a whistle sound coming from the rear.

The plan is to get a mobile mechanic to come out n do a intake fuel pressure test n see where to go from there

 

Tributes are known to snap exhaust studs, thus causing the manifold flanges to warp, causing exhaust leaks.

Re the possible belt nosie, remove the belts ( include water pump), start it up & see if the noise has gone. Simple elimination attempt.