Afternoon all - my in laws have a 93K Mazda 626 2.0 (16v) auto with 94k on the clock. Car has recently been making a constant ticking noise once warmed up. The local mechanic has said it was the tappets and used a two stage flushing kit and changed the oil - this usually works apparently. This has improved the performance of the car but the ticking noise remains. His next suggestion is to replace all of the valves/tappets but this would work out to be quite costly with there being 16 of them. Question is, what would be the consequences of doing nothing and continuing to run the car. Is engine damage likely?
Thoughts appreciated
Thanks
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I don't know the differences between the 626 and the MX5, but there are lots of people who have rattling hydraulic valve ajdusters with the MX5. It does seem to come down to oil (and flushing if oil change intervals have been 'extended'). Usually the problem is at startup - although some have it when hot. Changing oil viscosity is usually suggested as is the fact that normally no damage is done.
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Hi marc,
Quite often an engine will rurn and run without getting any worse. However, if the case hardening on one or more of the tappets or cam lobes has gone, it will not only get worse but will also be spreading metal swarf around the rest of the lubrication system. So, if it is getting worse have it investigated.
I have found a product called Top End Treatment from Forté Lubricants to be very effective at freeing up tired hydraulic valve lifters. You just add it to fresh oil. If it is going to work it usually does so in about 400 - 500 miles. You can only get this through garages and other trade specialists - call Forté on 02476 474069 to find out where your nearest stockist is.
Regards, Adam
Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble.
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I used to have one of these cars, same engine etc... as Ford Probe and MX6.
The problem will be that the hydralic lifter/s is/are not pumping up with oil, this could be due to a too thick an oil, (try a ?w30) xw40 should be OK, but the 30 will be a good test. Cheap 15w50 will be too thick so if someone used this, it could be the cause.
If the ticking is still constant, you will probably need new hydraulic lifters, it is not neccessary to replace them all, but identifying the noisey one is a problem.
These are also prone to a constant ticking noise caused by the cam-belt tensioner spring siezing, this is a cheap and nasty spring and rubber block. The belt then oscilates and causes a noise.
Good luck.
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Thanks everyone for your comments - I'll pass them on
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Hi Marc
Wondered if you can tell me, did you ever resolve the tappets problem.
Has anyone resolved the problem using this forte top end treatment?
I can't find any difinitive inforamtion that it is harmful for the engine to leave them of do replace them.
Mazda 626 also.
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There is a similar noise possible on there 4 cyls caused by the timing belt tensioner. There is a flimsy spring and rubber blob that goes week, and the tensioner/belt begins to oscillate and produce a surprisingly tappety noise from behind the black plastic timing cover. Have a listen here.
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