Hydraulic Tappetts

[Maggimae]

I have a Mazda 323F and recently the hydraulic tappetts have started making noise (ive had it checked out). Im told that having an oil flush will solve the problem but its recently had a service in February this year and an oil change, so would I be paying for the same thing twice?? - any suggestions for the best course of action.

Thank you in advance for any replies

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[Maggimae]

hi, thanks but that link didnt work.

Yes, it only seems to happen when the engine has warmed up and when the car's accelerating - any ideas?

[Jay70]

Hi Maggi,

Engine flush which is sometimes added before an oil change can free sticking hydrulic tappets up. Where did you have your car serviced? I dont know whether it's common practise for main dealears to use engine flush as the norm but I know some independants don't unless you ask. In which case it may be that it wasn't used on your last service and could well cure the problem. Does the noise reduce when the engine is warm? I dont think it will cause any long term damage (not 100% sure maybe some better informed person may be able to advise) so it might be worth waiting until it's due another service. How many miles has the car done and has it always been serviced at the correct intervals?. It could be that if the engine is worn then the valve adjusters arnt sticking but are worn in which case a premature service would just be a waste of money.

I hope you get it sorted. Jason

[Maggimae]

Thanks for your reply Jason. The car has only done 65000 on a P plate. I have also ben told that the car should use a specific oil, could having the wrong oil in it cause this problem?

[Skids]

You should use the correct oil for an engine with hydraulic lifters/tappets. Putting thicker oil in will quiet them down but will cause the engine to run less efficiently. The problem is a down to simple wear. The tappets are becoming more loose and so are rattling more. The cure is to have them changed, which is not something that gets done on a service.

[barneysdad]

I hope this may help,I spent 11 years working for mazda,and i think that yes an oil flush will work,BUT...you must make sure that the brand of flush is called "Forte" we used it and never had any problems.I will also add that I would only use genuine oil filters on Mazda vehicles as they have an anti drain back valve internally, this prevents loss of pressure in the cylinder head therfore not running the hydraulic tappets dry when the vehicle is first started.Good Luck!