Tapping noise from top of engine

[Cincinnatus]

Hi,
Over the last 1000ks give or take a tapping noise has developed from what sounds like the rear bank. (2.0 V6 323). It was pretty quiet at first, and ss soon as i heard it i flushed the oil and replaced oil + filter. I also added that nulon gunk which is supposed to get rid of the valve tapping sound.

Anyway, it worked for a grand total of like 3 days, it has since returned with a vengence. It's now much louder, as in very loud, seems to fade or dissapear as the revs climb above 3000 rpm but only when under load.

Question. What can in do to fix it, can in reduce the noise at all? I trawled the forums about this a few weeks ago and the gist of the advise is not to bother with it, however, i'm curious if there is a reltively cheap fix available.

My car is due to have the timing belt changed in about 9000ks. Will waiting till then help or make it in any way chaper?
I'm also finding it hard to believe that it isn't causing any harm.

Any and all advice welcome.

[applio]

exactly same problem with me and same car.

but my noice will go away when the car fully warmed up.

and about the change timing belt too, almost 200k

[Plutonus]

I have the tapping noise when it's cold, but probably not the same thing?

[89sp1.8]

if its just when cold prob just the oil pick up.
other wise if its constant, common prob are the hydraulic lifters..can try doing a flush and run really thin oil then drop that out and put normal oil in..if still there id say replace lifters.

i think they cost about $12-15 each? im sure someone can correct me with an exact price. would advise doing all of them in one go.

ill be replacing mine very soon

[Cosmo Dude]

My HLAs do the same thing...
Plenty of threads already on this topic.

[Cincinnatus]

yeah, i know, read them all, just wondering if there was a cheaper way to fix it than removing head. allready did oil flush, and i always use really hin oil.

[bourbon]

no cheaper way...they need to be replaced...

[RedLineResident]

Mine do it sometimes as well.

Not too loud but it is coming from the middle cylinder in the rear bank.

The nulon workod for me and when the car runs for about a minute or so max the noise goes away.

Did you use NULON liftrer free or some other solution.

[Cincinnatus]

nope i used nulon lifter free, right after i used nulon oil flush and dropped in some thin oil with new filter, that's when i added the nulon lifter free, as i said worked for 3 days, now it's louder than ever, like used to do a little on startup, now its really loud the whole time.

Further, i tried that trick of running the car at 3000 rpm for 20 mins, didn't really do much, only difference is that now every so often whilst ideling, it doesn't do the noise, but as soon as i take off it's back.

So, how long can i stretch it out before i start doing some serious damage?

[zappy65]

try this then...its a long shot but i did it and it helped alot...but i t could just be carbon deposits around your HLS's and your valves...can happen if there are not regular oil changes with oil flush...p.s. read the whole 1st page!!!
http://www.fordlaser.com/viewtopic.php?t=21496
or you can try about adding about 750ml of auto oil to the engine oil, run it for 15-20min and drain it, then put your normal oil in and let her ripe, the V^ engines are notorious for there lifter noise but it is quite easy to fix, dont just assume they are stuffed...most of the time they are just dirty and fed up...

[Cincinnatus]

Just spent the last few hours reading all those posts. I'll try to do both tomorrow. Carb cleaner and auto oil into oil then drop oil and change filter, again.
I hope it fixes issue. Bloody loud, very embarasing, not to mention, not looking forward to repair bill...
A little help, should i just take off the airbox and spray carby cleaner straight in? what about the 2 valves on the back of the V6 which open up above 4000Rpm, should they get a spray too? what other orrifeces should i be looking at spraying this sh1t into?
I stopped going to mazda for servicing 30,000 ks ago, so i'm hoping that it's a case of me not carrying out all necessary servicing practices. I drop oil more than mazda ever did, and i don't recall ever seeing the word de-carb in any service description but you never know.

[Cincinnatus]

well tried "de-carbing" my car, put thicker oil in, put auto fluid in my oil to flush it, dropped oil.

No difference. If anything louder. I surender to the mazda gods of engine malfunction, i'll have to go to mazda with my tail between my legs and get my timing belt done as well as the Lifters.

Hate going to mazda! Just hope the car doesn't blow up in the next 9000 ks.

[asanga]

going to mazda will hurt your wallet big time!! I'm sure u can find a good mechanic to do a better job than mazda for a much less price. just shop around a bit.

[OZY-323]

I'd say definitely find a good mechanic thats cheaper than Mazda they are a total rip off!!! make friends with the mechanic and let him know that you wanna know whats happening with your car every step of the way. trust me if the mechanic wants your business he will help and know you will come back.

[Cincinnatus]

thanks boys, i'll be guided by you boys. do most things myself but when it comes to pulling thr rocker covers off i feel i'm a little out of my depth