Mazda Repair: Engine started rattling now ticks, power steering pump, 1995 mazda 626


Question
QUESTION: I have a 1995 Mazda 626, purchased used from Missouri, the problem is that the car started cutting off while driving.  Had repairs done including new water pump and timing belt, cleaned valves, oil change and changed distributor cap.  Now the car has a loud ticking sound in the engine.  Can you name some possible problems?

ANSWER: sounds to me like a valve problem

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have it in the shop and they said its missing bolts on the engine, timing cover is loose, need to go into the engine to check timing belt and to locate the ticking, the oil dip stick is broken and power steering pump belt adjuster is broken (looks like the belt was manually adjustment by pulling tight.  [Just to go into the engine is $352.00] Could it possibly be any of the problems listed above?  If it is the valve, about how much does that cost?

Answer
if your missing bolts from the engine and some parts are loose,mising or broken then before i have a any work done i'd suggest having the shop that fixed the car before hand to repair the problem or have them cover the bill for the repairs. to have the timing belt inspected it's a matter of removing a cover it's not a hard job but it is timely. yes problems listed above could be the case but without seeing the car it's hard to say what the root the of the problem is. (  suggestion  ) - purchase a repair manual from your local parts store our call and ask any local shop what there rate would be to do to repairs mentioned.