Upper engine noise

bluemx3 · Post by **bluemx3** » April 14th, 2006, 9:32 pm

I've read several posts on the upper engine tapping noise, but I just need some reassurance. My engine runs great, but it does seem to be a little loud from the top area. Just so I have this correct, the noise is normal on some MX3s and it shouldn't hurt the engine to just keep driving it or is there something I should do so not to damage the engine. I can put up with the noise as long as I know the engine isn't being damaged.

DavidOS · Post by **DavidOS** » April 15th, 2006, 12:20 am

lifters,
just do an engine flush and oil change, normally takes care of it.

Jay72 · Post by **Jay72** » April 15th, 2006, 1:24 am

DavidOS wrote:lifters,
just do an engine flush and oil change, normally takes care of it.

What flush product did you use?

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » April 15th, 2006, 2:25 am

You can buy some stuff at the Mazda dealer that will quit it down for a few 1000 miles.

It could also be the cam friction gear, neither are a problem, just noisey.
Both can be fixed, but require a good bit of work.

jschrauwen · Post by **jschrauwen** » April 15th, 2006, 5:05 am

Look to previous posts wrt changing the brand of oil used. It's been well posted that oil type/quality/viscosity can make a direct effect on reducing HLA (lifter) noise.

bluemx3 · Post by **bluemx3** » April 15th, 2006, 8:48 am

Thanks for the replies. I did the oil change thing and switched to semi-synthetic oil and it did seem to quite it a little. I might in the future look into the Mazda flush, but my main concern was doing any damage to the engine and you guys/girls reassured that it should be O.K.
Thanks

lakersfan1 · Post by **lakersfan1** » April 15th, 2006, 11:10 am

Screw semi-synthetic. Go all synthetic. And only use 5W30. No Mobil1. Either get Redline, Royal Purple, or AMSOIL. Murrays Auto Parts has two of the three on thier shelves. Then use 1992 Corvette ZR1 (32valve) oil filters. Bosch 3401 are best at only $6.

Also, before each oil change, add some '5 Minute Engine Flush' and run the car for 5 minutes. Drain. Then put in your Royal Purple and ZR1 oil filter. Within two oil changes, the noise should be virtually non-existant.

elliott264 · Post by **elliott264** » April 15th, 2006, 12:47 pm

uh...don't use engine flush products.
any sludge that couldn't be flushed out can possibly block oil passages.
just do your oil changes and go for full synthetic.

hgallegos915 · Post by **hgallegos915** » April 15th, 2006, 12:48 pm

my k8 did that all the time, it had around 200 k miles and ran great, i swapped for a 30 k mile kf and the noise isnt there, its normal to get that tapping noise. Doesnt hurt your car. Its just6 makes it sound like a tractor sometimes.

jschrauwen · Post by **jschrauwen** » April 15th, 2006, 8:30 pm

Try a search for a post from a few weeks back wrt Motul oil. Very informative.