Valve tick

[o0loopy0o]

hey i was just wondering if anyone else has that valve ticking noise and if there is any way to get rid of it and how to fix it?

[Buff1110]

the valve tick is normal on all k series motors (mx3 gs, probe gt, mx6, etc) it doesnt harm performance though. i was told that it was a small spring that wears out but is by your timing belt. only costs like 10bux but unless ur changing the timing belt its not worth ripping the engine apart.<BR>Dan

[zytariuk]

It's your 'Cam Shaft Friction Gear'. How do i know this? I had the exact same ticking that sounds like the valves. It cost me $1100 Canadian to fix! 3/4 price is in labour though.

[mitmaks]

i heard its cause u use low octane and try to run it on synthetic oil too, helps more

[sean_hibbitts]

I got a Tick sound a lil while ago in my RS..... just put some NOS Octane b4 i filled up and topped my oil off

[markV6]

Oh man mine has just started tapping and sounds as if it's coming from around the timing belt. Is the spring hard to fix???
I hope it's not the other thing cos i only just bought the car!!!

[aaronthehic]

Is it not the hla's(lifters ticking)?

[Custommx3]

It could be either the HLA's or the timing belt tensioner.

[markV6]

I dunno it's quite a large tapping sound... which gets worse with revs. As I've just bought the car i know sod all about em. Its sounds to be coming from around / under the air intake pipe, and Intake manifold.
Does it sound as if it's gonna be expensive???

[Hy300]

Here's the deal, if it gets louder with RPM its deposit buildup in the HLA's. This isn't a good thing, but it can be flushed out. A wonderful referance and a site you should bookmark is Jeff Abrams' www.mazdamaniac.com<p>Go to the site, click on the picture of the MX-3 on the left. In the top left corner will be a menu, move your mouse over it, move to maintance, then go to De-Carbon or Carbon Knock. Follow the instructions, or you can try to find a garage to do it for you.<p>Every K series engine, as you have, will develop a ticking noise that comes from either the HLA (Hydraulic Lifters) or the Cam-Friction Gear which is designed to create a perfectly silent engine. However either one of these will eventually develop a ticking noise that is slightly audible below 2000rpm. Most people will attest though that it is your HLA's, I found that after an oil change or any time the noise is prevalant, if I hold my RPM at 3000 for around three or four minutes that the noise will disappear. It simply pumps up your HLA's with oil and eliminates the ticking.<p>Good Luck to you, and welcome to the Board