QuestionHello and thank you for your time and effort assisting me with my situation, it is very much appreciated. What I actually own is a 1988 Mazda MX-6 with a 2.2ltr. engine (L4) SOHC, Non Turbo; This is identical to the 1988-1990 Ford Probe engines, which is why I have choosen to ask for your imput. Due to increasing louder valve/lifter noise or chatter if you will, I decided to remove the rocker arm assembly and inspect the HLA (Hydrolic lifter adjuster) on each individual rocker arm. Noticing all rockers were missing the O-ring seal, I replaced each one with what I had available to me at the time. The o-rings I used were slightly larger in diameter than the O.E.M. o-rings would be, and caused my valve lash to become incorrect at the time of re-installation of the rocker arm assembly, preventing my engine from starting. Today, I am going to replace the assembly today with a USED (and functional) one from an identical engine, which I will install directly and without adjustment(s) to my engine. Because the valves are hydrolically self adjusted via the HLA's on each rocker arm which will have the correct O-rings already installed on them, I expect my problem to be corrected upon the rocker assembly "swap" allowing my engine to start and operate as it did yesterday before begining this repair. Givin the cause of the malfunction, and the repair I will complete, would you agree that my problem should be corrected, allowing my engine to start and function as it did previous to begining this repair?
Again, I THANK-YOU greatly for your time!
AnswerHello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
I found this TSB while looking for information about your engine's problem:
NOISE - TAPPET - 2.2L - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 3/19/90
Article No. 90-26-8FORD: 1989-90 PROBE
ISSUE: Noisy engine tappets may be caused by lack of lubrication. The tappet noise can usually be heard after driving at highway speeds and then coming to an idle speed mode. Inadequate tappet lubrication may be due to rocker arm oil passage holes that are too small to allow enough oil to pass through to the tappets. The size of the oil passage hole can be affected by...^ Overextended oil change intervals, beyond 7500 miles on non-turbo engines and 5000 miles on turbo engines
^ Oil deterioration/sludge that restricts the oil passages to the rocker arm shafts, rocker arms and tappets (HLA).
^ Rocker arm shaft(s) wear that decreases the amount of oil pressure to the hydraulic lappets (collapsed tappets).
ACTION: Install twelve (12) new rocker arms with larger oil passage holes (increased from .047" to .078") that will improve the lubrication of the tappets. Refer to the following procedure for service details.
1. Confirm that the engine tappet noise exists.
2. Check to see if the engine oil is contaminated.
a. If it is contaminated, change the oil & filter.
b. Check the engine again for tappet noise.
c. If the noise is still present, proceed to Step # 3.
3. Remove the rocker arm cover. Refer to the 1990 Probe Shop Manual, section 2-1-05 for cylinder head valve train inspection and repair information.
4. Check for oil sludging that could restrict the rocker arm shaft oil passages.
5. Perform the necessary service operations to remove the oil sludge.
6. Inspect the rocker arms and rocker arm shafts for wear, scratches or scoring.
7. If signs of wear are found, replace the rocker arm shafts and rocker arms. Use the revised rocker arms listed below.
8. If the rocker arms and shafts are not worn, and not oil sludged, replace the rocker arms/tappet assemblies.
Other than this..I would say that your engine noise should go away.....as long as the valve timing and lash is correct.
Erik
