Slight engine clatter from cold start...should I be worried?
Discussion
Started her up this morning expecting the usual smooth ignition, but was rudely awoken with a slight engine clatter which died down with revs. Is this a sign the cambelt needs changing (it does anyway, but was hoping to put off the trip to the garage for as long as possible!)? Or is it possible that it didn't like the cold temperatures over night and that it should be fine?
chockymonster said:
Sounds more like the tappets.
When did it last have an oil change?
Well, previous owner said he kept it topped up but that does obviously not mean full draining and re-fill. This will not have been done since last October when it was serviced and MOT'd. When you say 'tappets', do you mean in a bad way??? When did it last have an oil change?
Thanks for putting my mind at rest people! The oil pressure is good (just over middle) and the clatter goes after a couple of seconds and some revs - didnt push her today just in case.
I will get an oil change done asap - can I get everything I need (oil filters, crush washers etc.) from Halfords (sorry, this will be my first ever attempt at an oil change myself!
)
I will get an oil change done asap - can I get everything I need (oil filters, crush washers etc.) from Halfords (sorry, this will be my first ever attempt at an oil change myself!
)
Mobil 1 5/40 will be ideal. You could use the cheap Halfords stuff but Mobil 1 has better detergents which is what you need to clear the oil-ways in the tappets. It's a good idea to use an engine flush first if you don't know what quality of oil has been used in the past - it'll help shift the gunk.
You can ignore the oil pressure gauge - you don't have one. The oil gauge on post 94 cars right up to the Mk3 is a dummy gauge that either shows just over half or nothing, it's of no more use than a light would be.
On that subject the water temp gauge doesn't do much more than the oil gauge. It shows warm then operating temp then if you are unlucky, boiling over. If you see it go over normal operating temp then pull over because you have a problem!
It is possible to get it tweaked to how real temps but it takes someone with a bit of electrical competence to do it (so not a Mazda dealer).
You can ignore the oil pressure gauge - you don't have one. The oil gauge on post 94 cars right up to the Mk3 is a dummy gauge that either shows just over half or nothing, it's of no more use than a light would be.
On that subject the water temp gauge doesn't do much more than the oil gauge. It shows warm then operating temp then if you are unlucky, boiling over. If you see it go over normal operating temp then pull over because you have a problem!
It is possible to get it tweaked to how real temps but it takes someone with a bit of electrical competence to do it (so not a Mazda dealer).
[quote=You can ignore the oil pressure gauge - you don't have one. The oil gauge on post 94 cars right up to the Mk3 is a dummy gauge that either shows just over half or nothing, it's of no more use than a light would be.
On that subject the water temp gauge doesn't do much more than the oil gauge. It shows warm then operating temp then if you are unlucky, boiling over. If you see it go over normal operating temp then pull over because you have a problem!
It is possible to get it tweaked to how real temps but it takes someone with a bit of electrical competence to do it (so not a Mazda dealer).
[/quote]
Great! So difficult to pick up warning signs then? I did wonder why the oil gauge just flicked straight to middle when I started the car up - thought that was quick!
Will get the Halfords own brand deal then upgrade to Mobil 1 when I have more cash - I am guessing as long as I change the oil regularly, it should not matter too much. Anyone got a link to how to change the oil? I am happy up to the point where you have to disable the engine and crank it over without starting it up???
On that subject the water temp gauge doesn't do much more than the oil gauge. It shows warm then operating temp then if you are unlucky, boiling over. If you see it go over normal operating temp then pull over because you have a problem!
It is possible to get it tweaked to how real temps but it takes someone with a bit of electrical competence to do it (so not a Mazda dealer).
[/quote]
Great! So difficult to pick up warning signs then? I did wonder why the oil gauge just flicked straight to middle when I started the car up - thought that was quick!
Will get the Halfords own brand deal then upgrade to Mobil 1 when I have more cash - I am guessing as long as I change the oil regularly, it should not matter too much. Anyone got a link to how to change the oil? I am happy up to the point where you have to disable the engine and crank it over without starting it up???
MX-5 Lazza said:
On that subject the water temp gauge doesn't do much more than the oil gauge. It shows warm then operating temp then if you are unlucky, boiling over. If you see it go over normal operating temp then pull over because you have a problem!
It is possible to get it tweaked to how real temps but it takes someone with a bit of electrical competence to do it (so not a Mazda dealer).
I don't know if my gauge has been tweaked but from extensive recent experience I can attest that my gauge shows a very accurate reading across the temperature range.It is possible to get it tweaked to how real temps but it takes someone with a bit of electrical competence to do it (so not a Mazda dealer).
My radiator is blocked and I've yet to fit a new one so temperature gauge/heater use balancing is an everyday part of motorway driving at the moment.
Legend83 said:
Anyone got a link to how to change the oil? I am happy up to the point where you have to disable the engine and crank it over without starting it up???
I've never heard of disabling and cranking the engine while doing an oil-change! I'm pretty sure than none of the dealers do this on any normal car engine MX-5 Lazza said:
Legend83 said:
Anyone got a link to how to change the oil? I am happy up to the point where you have to disable the engine and crank it over without starting it up???
I've never heard of disabling and cranking the engine while doing an oil-change! I'm pretty sure than none of the dealers do this on any normal car engine I read this on a page called the carbibles? Ah well, I will just give it a shot and hope for the best! Thanks for the link.
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