'89 323 Engine Ticking, Valves?

[coptodd]

Just want to say I learn alot here....this is my first post, I always find the answers here!!!

I have a 1989 Mazda 323, 4 speed manual...non turbo, 208,000 miles! I just changed the oil and noticed quite a bit of ticking, maybe valves I do not know. Is there a filter inside the oil pan and if so could it be restricting the oil from getting to all of the engine parts. I used fram oil filter with valvo. high mileage 5w-30. I am not a big advocate of adding anything to the crankcase but oil. The car still runs strong and does not burn or leak any oil.

[Flash75]

I wouldn't use 5w-30 oil in a high mileage car unless driving in sub-zero temps. I have also had some problems with Fram oil filters on overhead cam engines. Wix, NAPA is made by Wix and so is Carquest, Purolator and Motorcraft are better filters. I always precharge my filters with oil to shorten the length of time required for full oil circulation on start up with a new filter. There is no internal filter but there is an oil pump pick up screen that can clog, but I've not heard of that being a problem on Mazda. Has the oil in your car been changed on a regular basis? That's a more common problem with US cars that use plastic cam gears. First, I would try another brand of filter and see if that helps. I don't recall if your car has valve adjusters, I know most newer Mazda's use shims for adjustment.

Clifton

[coptodd]

The oil has been changed on a regular basis. I will try a diff. filter. I did switch to fram. Thanks....I will advise of results.