I changed from previous owner's unknown conventional 10w30 to Mobil Synthetic 5w30 and I used to have a lifter tick on start and while cold that would go away once warmed up. Now I have no lifter tick at start or while cold but once it warms up I get a louder more hollow sounding lifter tick that sounds more like a clatter than a ticking. Only happens above 3000 rpm except this last weekend at the autocross after 4 hard runs the car was ticking much louder at all rpm including idle. Went away after the car cooled off. Any ideas?
95 1.8 Miata change oil change lifter tick
- Thread starter mcseanerson
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Had a customer use the Amsoil Flush and then the OE 5w30 and his lifter tick hasn't returned, only hear it for about 2 seconds on cold starts. He has a '90 miata.
Odomoter is nearing 230k, oil pressure is the same, temperature looks the same. Car still makes power and runs like everythings fine, just noise is worse.
Maybe check the miata forum, but I think that motor did have some issues with the lifters not refilling after being run hard. I think the fix was to run easy at 3k rpm for a while. Maybe the M1 will help clean them up so they will "pump up" more easily?
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I'd go back to 10W30 conventional.
I've seen a lot of people on here suggesting that new oils could cause problems for the first time as the internals adjust to different formulas so I'm hoping this is it and after 1000 miles it might be better.
I am considering returning to conventional but the 5w30 shouldn't affect performance when warm should it? I am also considering switching to Rotella T6 possibly a heavier weight than 30.
Around 94 the oil pressure sensor changed from a sensor to a switch so basically the reading is saying there is pressure nothing else.
I would go T6 5w40. Seems like oil pressure is dropping as temp skyrockets. Plus bearing clearances at 230k are larger than stock so going up in viscosity may be a smart choice.
I had a feeling. Always goes straight to the same spot.
Yeah that's what I'm thinking. Should I do this immediately or are there any know additives that might help thicken it up until I'm ready for a change. I'd hate to dump an oil change after only 500 miles.
That's a common miata problem after hard cornering. I used to have one and it did it with all oils. I think you have to put baffles in the pan but I could be wrong. It will be all over miata forums.
I think I do remember reading that. That helps me a lot with the bad tick from the day at the course. As for the other tick that's every day. I think the t6 5w-40 will probably be good.
Mazda had a very tight piston to cyl head squish clearance in the early 1.8 engines. Even at low mileage they had carbon deposit noise that sounded just like lifter noise when cold. My guess is the pistons are now hitting hard carbon when your oil thins with high rpm heat. 5W40 may keep the con rods more centered and help. An oil pressure check with a real gauge would be good too
Should I do some seafoam through a vacuum line for the carbon?
I would dump what is in the sump right now. Or drain it in a clean pan and put it in another vehicle. I'm guessing you drive it hard with plenty of high rpms? Try running some techron in the next fuel tank.
Originally Posted By: mcseanerson
Should I do some seafoam through a vacuum line for the carbon?
I haven't found Seafoam or anything else really good for hard carbon. Shell 87 gas (premium not needed as Miata is low compression), Techron and other detergents may help over several tank-fulls. High rpm doesn't hurt either as long as you've got good oil pressure.
Neither lifter tap or mechanical carbon interference tap is fatal but low oil pressure and high mileage bearing wear can be!
Should I do some seafoam through a vacuum line for the carbon?
I haven't found Seafoam or anything else really good for hard carbon. Shell 87 gas (premium not needed as Miata is low compression), Techron and other detergents may help over several tank-fulls. High rpm doesn't hurt either as long as you've got good oil pressure.
Neither lifter tap or mechanical carbon interference tap is fatal but low oil pressure and high mileage bearing wear can be!
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