[Miata] Fw: Valve clatter

[John Freas]

Previously on Valve Clatter, <mark.ariagno at boehringer-ingelheim.com> said...

I recently bought a 97 which is in pretty good condition.  No rust and
> everything is original except wheels and tires.  Back window is shot.  Top
> is great.  50K miles car fax confirmed..  When I start it, the valves are
> pretty noisy, a little white smoke.  Drive a couple miles and everything is
> quiet and no smoke.  Have not changed oil since purchase.  It sat in a
> garage for five years and only driven a couple times.  Seems to have good
> power but feel blow by out the oil fill cap in valve cover.  I hope I don't
> need a valve job.  PCV valve?  Oil is black and I am going to change to
> synthetic blend.  Filter is not a mazda version.  I hear that is bad because
> it let's oil all drain down to pan.  Rumor?  Thanks for any sugestions back.
>

The valve clatter is typical.  Not to say that it should go on, but it's a
common development.  Many consider it to be the car's version of a "Change
my oil" light.  Start there with fresh oil and a new filter and see what
happens.  In most cases that will stop the valve clatter until the next oil
change is due, the exception being if you run the car really hard for awhile
such as in an autocross, in which case it'll clatter for awhile anyway.

I can't speak to the blow by vs PCV question but I'd like to hear the
answer.

    -John
------------------------------
John Freas <%20john7690 at comcast.net>
1992 *YELLOW* "Sting<http://john.freas.home.comcast.net/pix/sting/sting.html>
"
1995 Black R Package
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"
Elizabethtown, Indiana
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