I was informed today by a mechanic, after listening to the motor, that the tapping noise that has been getting worse is probably a lifter that has lost its "prime". I am not sure what that means but he states that the lifters will need to be replaced. Could anyone tell me how tough this job would be on this vehicle? I have some basic auto mechanical experience but have never worked in the heads.Thanks for any info!

 

I've got a '92 MPV that has 356000 K on it. It has had a bit of "sticky lifter" trouble since I bought it at 174000K, but changing the oil at 4000K seems to have kept it under control. Lately the "tick" tick" seems to be getting a little worse, but I put in a can of Wynn's Lifter Quieter (not exact name), and it seems to have helped alot. Once the van is warmed up I can't hear it at all. I was talking to the Mazda dealer and it sounded like a fairly costly repair. I'd like to hear from other folks on this fairly chronic problem with the high mileage MPVs Hopefully I'll see 400 thous K. Ken

 

See my response to https://www.mazdaforum.com/m_48704/tm.htm
If their getting louder you should have them replaced. It was a common problem. Yes it is expensive. Im replacing my own and the parts alone are expensive. I would hate to have to pay shop rates to have someone else do it on top price of the parts...