Just bought it with 7000 miles on the OD. - The oil was changed.

Since I never owned a Miata I was wondering if all these engines
have tappet like sounds, not loud, but noticeable.

Any feedback would be appreciated. All my cars have been quiet
so I'm betting this is probably the trait for the Miata ??

Thanks,

Frank Michael

 

The first and second generation cars (called NA and NB) used a different family of engines from the third body style (called NC). The NC's engine (MZR family) is supposed to be a smoother and more refined, but I have no firsthand experience with them. The NA cars had noisy hyd lifters and the NB cars had mechanical lifters which were quiet when proper lash was set.

 

I also just bought my first MX-5 last week, a 2008 PRHT with 15,000 miles and noticed a significant "tapping" coming from the engine at idle. It sounds like noisy tappets/lifters to me and it does get quieter as the engine comes up to normal temperature. I'm hoping that's all it is. Any more experienced Miata folks have more info?

 

The older engines were known to exhibit lifter noise when the engine oil needed to be changed. An oil with high detergent additives usually helped this from occurring as quickly. Shell Rotella T6 synthetic is very popular among the turbo Miata crowd due to its protective additives and high level of detergent additives. Rotella (made by Shell) does a great job of cleaning up an engine that has deposits build up already because of these detergent additives.

 

Thanks guys for your input.

Overall this forum site looks like a dead and decaying body.

I can get more info by making phone calls to dealerships.

I love the car but info is damn hard to come by even for a simple question !

 

If you wanted advice on preparing either of the first two generations for open track days I would be more helpful. Frankly, the NC Miatas are still too new to commonly need much work. They are pretty reliable.

Try this NC (2006+) - MX-5 Miata Forum

 

I've had an 06 and have an 08 with 35K miles, it is a bit rattly, but so was the 06, I dont notice it now, but it does not sound overly refined

 

Yeah, it was a Ford Focus motor before it was a Miata motor. Not exactly exotic and luxurious. We all play the hand we are dealt.

They are still much smoother and more refined than the B6/BP engine family that preceded it.

 

Hello, I'm Caleb
I am the owner of my second miata its a 2006 NC, I like both NB and NC models they are two different cars!!!

I have notice that my engine is a little noisy on he (NC) what has worked for me was doing an oil change with 5w30 not the recommended 5w20. Saw a difference felt a difference after the change. Your RPM will be between 1000-2000 on the start don't worry this is normal.

I am meticulous with my miatas I run Shell oil\fuel only. The combination of oil and 93fuel gives me a start on the first crank.

Here are a few videos of oil change, diff fluid change, tran fluid change, clutch fluid change.

Oil chance.

Clutch Fluid Change.

Transmission Fluid Change

Rear Differential Fluid Change.

 

The 5w20 is only recommended because of the CAFE standards and not because it is the best for your engine. Thicker oil has a greater viscosity and does a better job of protecting the engine when the film strength of the oil is being tested.

Good videos! Thanks for sharing them.