NC 2.0l...knocking noise

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 1:41 pm

Clayton area - its not that far to go to The MX-5 Factory in Ringwood- boss is Dick Richey 9870 0520- I would make that drive- you nearly always learn something in conversation. A few mates get their cars serviced there including a mate who had a blown head gasket on an NC which only had 100K on clock. An engine specialist in Bayswater is Greg at NTS- he runs the show If you cannot find nbr let me know. There is Allmaz Clayton- I have not used them- they might sell you an engine if it goes pear shaped!.

Re the history of the car- it points towards not really knowing if at some point if oil was low.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 2:53 pm

If you get a quote make sure it's in writing & signed & dated, & that there's a chair handy!

Mr Morlock wrote:There is Allmaz Clayton- I have not used them - they might sell you an engine if it goes pear shaped!.

As the Oils would say, Short Memory.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 3:54 pm

Allmaz are expensive.
I'd be wary of a second hand engine (from anywhere) considering what the 2.5 litre conversion thread went through (he was supplied two dead engines, third was a charm).

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 7:29 pm

bruce wrote:Allmaz are expensive.

That's one way of putting it - $554 to weld the crank pulley to the crank nose (+ a bit of diagnostics): viewtopic.php?f=29&t=72761

Ghoti · Postby **Ghoti** » Thu Dec 14, 2017 11:00 pm

Mr Morlock wrote:Clayton area - its not that far to go to The MX-5 Factory in Ringwood- boss is Dick Richey 9870 0520- I would make that drive- you nearly always learn something in conversation.

Have tried their web enquiry service. Business hours are crazy busy for me at present. Might try calling Saturday.

As for Allmaz, they were expensive in the 80's when I had RX3s and and RX7, so doesn't surprise me they still are :-)

Ghoti · Postby **Ghoti** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 6:06 pm

Thought I'd give a bit of an update after some "good" news.

Was unable to get the car to the MX5 Factory prior to them closing for Christmas. I did speak with them and they suggested it may not be big end bearings, but if it was they could do an engine swap. Big $$$ though

Anyways, the car has been sitting in the driveway waiting for New Year, until the wife mentioned the mechanic a couple of doors down from where she works was open...so we popped the car in there for a look. He was confident the noise is definitely upper engine and suspects the VVT. He suggested I try Mazpro in Bayswater for a final diagnosis. Its booked in for 8 January...so we'll see.

rascal · Postby **rascal** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 8:37 pm

Big $$$ and Dick Ritchie's MX5 factory tend to go hand in hand.
Even the staff there agree Dick charges too much... :shock:

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Sat Dec 30, 2017 6:41 am

Ghoti wrote:...He was confident the noise is definitely upper engine and suspects the VVT. He suggested I try Mazpro in Bayswater for a final diagnosis. Its booked in for 8 January...so we'll see.

VVT actuator/system is probably more likely the issue if the noise comes and goes as you described. Hopefully, far less expensive than engine replacement too.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat Dec 30, 2017 10:34 am

I was aware of Mazpro but have not used them - will be interested to see how they shape up.

Maverick · Postby **Maverick** » Sat Dec 30, 2017 11:43 pm

NitroDann wrote:Not that i am an NC expert but the 1st gen motors are notorious for conrod related issues , it is a flawed design.

Dann

First Gen NC's are Not notorious for conrod related issues!!
There have been a few failures fitted with the Cosworth Supercharger Kit due to improper tune hence the reason why Cosworth pulled the pin on project having to replace engines etc under warranty!!
Since that time many Mazda Specialist have taken over selling/installing these MP62 Supercharger Kits under their own names perfecting the tune with many NC's being raced for several years with no dramas!!

With all NC's or any other vehicle boils down to good maintenance using proper spec oils, filters including 98 Fuel ( NC's use 98 fuel use 91 will destroy the engine) etc.

I'm fitting one of these Supercharger Kits in the near future, when fitted you would be hard pressed to see supercharger, very impressive professionally designed unit!!
Looks factory under the bonnet!!

As far as the noise your hearing could be many things, not necessarily expensive or major!!
You can't diagnose the noise over the internet.
Just a matter of isolating/ listening , sometimes a road test can pin point where the problem may be..
You need a good mechanic!!

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Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 9:57 am

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Thats how many exclamation marks you just used.

Relax. The NC series 1 bottom end does have inherent flaws which the NC series 2 does not have. Mazda made changes in between the two series in order to solve these issues.

While it's true that the flaws have probably been exaggerated by dodgy supercharger setups, the engine is inferior to series 2 engines and is far more likely to have a conrod related failure.

Dann

Maverick · Postby **Maverick** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 12:33 pm

NitroDann wrote:!
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Thats how many exclamation marks you just used.

Relax. The NC series 1 bottom end does have inherent flaws which the NC series 2 does not have. Mazda made changes in between the two series in order to solve these issues.

While it's true that the flaws have probably been exaggerated by dodgy supercharger setups, the engine is inferior to series 2 engines and is far more likely to have a conrod related failure.

Dann

Ha..Ha..Ha..
Good to see you've done some research!!
Shite ... there I go again using exclamation marks...

I have several MX5's including the Short nose Crank 1.6 NA, supposedly these disintegrate going by many forums etc.
I've had no problems, timing belt done twice, used as a track car, super reliable car.
When mechanical work is done in a professional manner no problems...
Cheers...

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Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 12:38 pm

I have no idea how you think what you're saying is evidence against what I'm saying.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 2:48 pm

Maverick wrote:With all NC's or any other vehicle boils down to good maintenance using proper spec oils, filters including 98 Fuel ( NC's use 98 fuel use 91 will destroy the engine) etc.

Agree with you on oils and filters however, NCs only need 95 RON fuel - it is marked on the filler cap including that E10 (min RON 95) may be used.

Maverick · Postby **Maverick** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 3:21 pm

JBT wrote:
Maverick wrote:With all NC's or any other vehicle boils down to good maintenance using proper spec oils, filters including 98 Fuel ( NC's use 98 fuel use 91 will destroy the engine) etc.

Agree with you on oils and filters however, NCs only need 95 RON fuel - it is marked on the filler cap including that E10 (min RON 95) may be used.

Evidence against you?
Not a personal attack on you..lol
Just putting more information out there for other readers to be more informed on MX5's .
With every new generation of vehicle you would most certainly expect an improvement over the last model.
The NC has been around for more than a decade, yet you don't hear of many conrods being thrown.

As far as fuel for NC I prefer the 98 Ron, better performance, travel further for my $.

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