Mercury Engine >> VALVE TRAIN CLATTER

Mercury Engine >> VALVE TRAIN CLATTER

Valve Train Clatter On
1988-91 Mazda 1.8L DOHC Engines

Numerous reports of valve train clatter on the Mazda 1.8L engine with hydraulic lash compensator (HLC) used in DOHC application have been described. These clatter problems are most common upon cold start and/or returning to idle after extended highway use.

One possible cause has been the design of the lash compensator restricting the oil flow (Figure A). Mazda offers a revised HLC, Part #B6Y112101, that has an enlarged oil hole to enhance oil flow and eliminate the valve train clatter.

Engines manufactured as of the 1992 model year utilize this revised HLC. These also include those 1.8L Mazda engines used in Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer vehicles.

Another possible cause for valve train clatter may be a damaged HLC O ring (Figure B). Replace any O rings that are damaged. Also inspect the HLC's parent bore of the rocker arm for damage and repair as necessary.

Exercise extreme caution when inserting the HLC into the rocker arm. Proper assembly requires all components to be lubricated with engine oil. Twisting the HLC during installation further eases installation and guards against rolling the O ring.

Avoiding low oil level, as well as changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals can help circumvent this problem.

The AERA Technical Committee

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