Miata Mailing List: October 1992, Message #17
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   From: (none)
Subject: Noisy valves/lifters
   Date: (none)




Hello all,

A while back I asked if anyone else's Miata had a noisy valve train when
started after sitting for a week or more.  A couple folks commented that they
noticed it too.  Well, last night I started my wife's Miata for the first time
in a little over a week.  Oil pressure was up within a second, but the clicking
persisted louder than ever.  Plus only 3 cylinders were firing.  After 30-40
seconds the engine smoothed out and all cylinders were firing fine, but the
clicking didn't go away.  I'm really beginning to think there is a design
problem with the Mazda 1.6L, either that or we've got a plugged up oil passage.
Once all the oil drains from the top of the engine, it seems to take a while
for it to get back up there!  Not a good thing.  The car was parked on level
ground too.

I was going to pull the valve cover and check for oil squirting onto the cams
(while cranking with coil disconnected), but our 3 year warranty is still in
effect for a few more months so I think I'll take it in to the (tremble,
tremble) d-d-dealer.  Anyone else had problems with your Miata after letting it
sit for a week or so?

All comments greatly appreciated!  Thanks!

Dave  (dmh.wbst129@xerox.com)
'90 Red Pkg. B