engine troubles need serious help

i just got my truck yesterday and it needs some engine work
it sounds like its knocking but not to the point where its really noticable inside the truck
its running rich and idles high and just sounds like crap
any suggestions?
ill probably be changing the plugs and oil myself but let my mech do the rest
any ideas of something to make this a quick fix

the truck is an 84 b2000

check the oil. check the plugs, you could also check the compression as well. if the compression is good then i would suggest a tune up (plugs,wires,cap,rotor) you can use a brrok handle or prybar to listen to the engine and find out where the noise is coming from. use a prybar and with the engine running hold it to your ear. its kinda like a stethascope. the noise will be really noticable when you stick the ebd of the prybar close to where the noise is coming from.

jeremy

well it runs pretty good just loud and annoying
ill get it checked soon...its got good oil pressure and such from what i can tell
ill probably keep driving it till i get it worked on....if it blows itll be my excuse to drop in a 350

Im having that same issue, clicking or more like clanking now inside the engine. I had trouble with this truck before with the cam sprocket shattering in pieces so replaced that and got it all timed up and ran fine for a few mths. But there always was a clicking noise coming from the engine even when I first got the truck. Now just a couple days ago the clicking turned into clanking and the engine was losing power as I was driving. At first I thought It was low on oil but I checked the next day and it was fine. It sounds like maybe the valves are hitting pistons or something. It turns on and stays on but the clanking noise is pretty loud. Im not a mechanic but wanna learn, any suggestions?
1986 b2000 mazda

check the timing sounds like your belt may have slipped a tooth

I didnt time it when the cam sprocket busted but I can do it this time. I could use this info right? Pretty accurate?

ok Im doing the timing and I have a question. There are two marks on the crank pully, which one do I line up the cam sprocket to? Where it is at in the pictures it lines up with with one of the marks on the crank pully but not sure if it suppose to line up to that one. The #1 piston seems to be a TDC but than again its close if I turn it to the other mark on the crank pully. I have not adjusted anything that is where it is at when I opened up the cover.

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ok if thats fine, what else can I check for? The noise sounds like something is hitting inside the engine.

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