My engine isn't the happy runner it was only months ago. I have done a bunch of trouble shooting and checks and nothing has resolved it yet. Two mechanics have pocketed about $100 each to state that everything seems to be in order (pisses me off slightly).

Symptoms: Not quite sluggish but certainly less peppy acceleration. Some faint additional noises sounding like air leaking or metal to metal friction. Noises are continuous but more pronounced when engine is under load.

Tested: flame trap, breather box, and attached hoses and nipples are all clear. Oil filler cap seems to fail the jiggle test nevertheless. Cleaned all earth connections I could find. Replaced the 25A fuse. Checked for vacuum leaks but all hoses looked good. No oil loss. Engine codes are 1-1-1. Spark plugs were gray with a bit of carbon on the ring. Engine has 152,000 kms (95,000 miles), been running on synthetic oil and premium gas for the past two years. Timing belt to be done next spring.

NOW - what should I do next!!?!?
Compression test / leakdown test? Start a long replace-this-and-see chain? Look more closely at electric / vacuum / fuel / air systems?

Any help greatly appreciated,

Berry