It sounds like "lifter tick" to me. I believe that the 626 has hydraulic lifters, and over time the get gummed up and oil isn't able to get into them as well as before. It's possible to remove and clean them but that involves removing the valve cover. I know a lot of people in the Miata community (which have similar engines) find that other than the sound there isn't really a problem and just live with it. I'm less sure about that for the 626.
this post was submitted on 06 Jul 2025
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Thanks for taking a listen.
Well, right now I'm not sure what I can do about it. We're about to head off on a 1'600km road trip in two or three days.
I will however be giving the shop a chewing out as they've had the car in several times (they're the ones who did the timing belt) most recently explicitly to inspect the car for issues. They didn't mention this at all but wanted 800€ to replace a busted steering rack gaiter that wasn't busted -_-
Internet searching suggest:
-
running some kind of additive in the oil (?)
-
cleaning the hydraulic lifters and oil channels
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replacing the hydraulic lifters
I have access to a full factory workshop manual for the car and basic tools, maybe taking the top off and cleaning them is a feasible DIY job?
Almost anything on a car is feasible to diy imo, depending on time and tools
Bending frames straight and such might not be, but anything that just needs bolts is definitely possible.
Almost anything on a car is feasible to diy imo, depending on time and tools
Oh for sure, just different amounts of scary. Seems like getting at the lifters requires partially dismounting the timing belt & lifting the cam which isn't something I've done before and requires a special tool (?) to tension the belt when reassembling.
I second the lifter tick diagnosis.
I'd never be able to hear ticking noises (damaged hearing), but a little more information is always helpful for those that can.
- Last oil change
- Current oil level
- Mileage
- Timing belt/chain history
- If the noise is present in neutral as well as in gear, and if there is any perceived difference between the two
- Last oil change
Roughly two weeks ago oil + filters, did that myself.
- Current oil level
Right at the "F" mark on the dipstick
- Mileage
~178'000km
- Timing belt/chain history
Belt changed @ ~160kkm, two years ago.
- If the noise is present in neutral as well as in gear, and if there is any perceived difference between the two.
Harder to check, I'll have to get back to you on that one.
The last bit is mainly just to split the hair between the engine and the drivetrain.
Worsening of noise after a recent oil change is not good news. Double check you have used the correct grade of oil.
Couple of people have gone with lifter tick, that (I am told) is a pretty distinct noise and comes with age. If it is, sometimes a flush will sort it for a while. Long term solution will involve teardown though.
I've got this issue on one of my old cars, but haven't bothered fixing. Not worth it. It's only a junker for running bulky crap around & the dirty jobs. Can't hear it myself anyway - I'll know it is a real problem when I can 😂