It starts, it runs!!

[NVP66S]

IT SOUNDS GLORIOUS! It has a world-class valve tap, probably because it hasn't pumped up the lifters. And I'm sure it's throwing Check Engine codes like a major league pitcher. I was surprised the ECU (stock Mazda) would go out on strike. I haven't run it more than 10 seconds because there's no water in it. OK, back to the build thread.....

Dan

[xcarguy]

IT SOUNDS GLORIOUS! It has a world-class valve tap, probably because it hasn't pumped up the lifters. And I'm sure it's throwing Check Engine codes like a major league pitcher. I was surprised the ECU (stock Mazda) would go out on strike. I haven't run it more than 10 seconds because there's no water in it. OK, back to the build thread.....

Dan

 

:hurray: :party: :cheers:

[cheapracer]

Great feeling isn't it and no matter how many you start for the first time the good news is the feeling never changes.

 

You can run it for a minute or so and no harm at all will be done.

[Kitcat]

Hydraulic valve clicking on start up is characteristic of your engine. Go to a Miata forum and do a search for valve click and watch your computer explode. Evey new Miata owner posted about it:I love my car but when I start it....

[lg2k]

Congratulations! A real milestone especially after dealing with Miata wiring loom. The feeling of the first start is glorious! haha

 

The valves ticking is normal for Miata engines. It's always there on startup just nowhere near as long as on a first start after sitting for awhile.

[scannon]

The valves ticking is normal for Miata engines. It's always there on startup just nowhere near as long as on a first start after sitting for awhile.

 

If it continues after the engine has been run a few times there are a couple of things that seem to help.

 

Prefill the oil filter before starting after an oil change. Change brands and/or weights of oil.

 

When I talked to Bill Cardell at Flyin Miata about this a few years ago his cure was to start them up and rev the piss out of them until the clatter went away. Not sure I agree with that cure.

 

The ticking doesn't damage anything, its just annoying and should go away once the engine is back in daily service.

[lg2k]

The ticking doesn't bother me. If it ticks longer than usual it is a good sign that either the engine is a bit low on oil or I haven't changed the oil in a long time or both. :-) In addition to the Westie I'm on my third Miata so I've grown quite accustomed to the ticking sound.

[NVP66S]

Yeah. I've read the Miata forums and talked to owners. Their stories run the whole range from 'ticks for 10 seconds' to 'ticks for 20 minutes', although I would do some serious investigating if mine ticked for 2o minutes (like disassemble the lifters). I ain't worried yet. Thanks for the comments,

Dan