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[Updated] Hydraulic lifters ticking in '95 Mazda 626 (drive.proton.me)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/mechanicadvice@lemmy.world
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It's a 4-cyl I4 petrol engine ('95 Mazda 626) with a ticking noise that matches with revs. I've had it for a while and it seems to be getting louder as time goes on. It doesn't go away even after longer drives.

The workshop I've used previously haven't highlighted it when I had the car in for an inspection, but after a recent incident it seems like they're rather incompetent unfortunately so I'd like some advice on this!

Thanks :)

#update x1

Spoke to the shop again and fished a bit for info. Guy at the desk re-confirmed that the gaiter was busted when I went there, and got rather apologetic when I pointed out that it wasn't.

They claim that they did notice the lifter tick but said that "it's common for older cars but you don't need to worry about it, and it's a lot of work to fix it", hence why they didn't point it out.

I'll probably postpone looking into this fully until after the road trip.

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[–] 6 points 1 year ago (4 children)

It sounds like "lifter tick" to me. I believe that the 626 has hydraulic lifters, and over time the get gummed up and oil isn't able to get into them as well as before. It's possible to remove and clean them but that involves removing the valve cover. I know a lot of people in the Miata community (which have similar engines) find that other than the sound there isn't really a problem and just live with it. I'm less sure about that for the 626.

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

    Thanks for taking a listen.

    Well, right now I'm not sure what I can do about it. We're about to head off on a 1'600km road trip in two or three days.

    I will however be giving the shop a chewing out as they've had the car in several times (they're the ones who did the timing belt) most recently explicitly to inspect the car for issues. They didn't mention this at all but wanted 800€ to replace a busted steering rack gaiter that wasn't busted -_-

    Internet searching suggest:

    • running some kind of additive in the oil (?)

    • cleaning the hydraulic lifters and oil channels

    • replacing the hydraulic lifters

    I have access to a full factory workshop manual for the car and basic tools, maybe taking the top off and cleaning them is a feasible DIY job?

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Almost anything on a car is feasible to diy imo, depending on time and tools

    Bending frames straight and such might not be, but anything that just needs bolts is definitely possible.

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 year ago*

    Almost anything on a car is feasible to diy imo, depending on time and tools

    Oh for sure, just different amounts of scary. Seems like getting at the lifters requires partially dismounting the timing belt & lifting the cam which isn't something I've done before and requires a special tool (?) to tension the belt when reassembling.

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    • [–] 3 points 1 year ago (3 children)

    I'd never be able to hear ticking noises (damaged hearing), but a little more information is always helpful for those that can.

    • Last oil change
    • Current oil level
    • Mileage
    • Timing belt/chain history
    • If the noise is present in neutral as well as in gear, and if there is any perceived difference between the two
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  • [–] [S] 1 point 1 year ago (2 children)
    • Last oil change

    Roughly two weeks ago oil + filters, did that myself.

    • Current oil level

    Right at the "F" mark on the dipstick

    • Mileage

    ~178'000km

    • Timing belt/chain history

    Belt changed @ ~160kkm, two years ago.

    • If the noise is present in neutral as well as in gear, and if there is any perceived difference between the two.

    Harder to check, I'll have to get back to you on that one.

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    The last bit is mainly just to split the hair between the engine and the drivetrain.

    Worsening of noise after a recent oil change is not good news. Double check you have used the correct grade of oil.

    Couple of people have gone with lifter tick, that (I am told) is a pretty distinct noise and comes with age. If it is, sometimes a flush will sort it for a while. Long term solution will involve teardown though.

    I've got this issue on one of my old cars, but haven't bothered fixing. Not worth it. It's only a junker for running bulky crap around & the dirty jobs. Can't hear it myself anyway - I'll know it is a real problem when I can 😂

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  • [–] [S] 1 point 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

    Worsening of noise after a recent oil change is not good news. Double check you have used the correct grade of oil.

    "Over time" is more like months not weeks. Oil change didn't have any noticeable effect but most recent start (today) it did quiet slightly after a few minutes under load which seems like a positive sign - haven't driven it all that much since the oil change but it's quality oil afaik and matches the service book for colder outdoor tenps.

    There are some "internal engine wash" products being marketed (if those are any good?) as well as additives specifically for lifters. Might try that out for the next service.

    The noise isn't audible from inside the car or over road sounds, but certainly (and loudly) when standing outside.

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