The Loud M20 Valve Train

[StereoInstaller1]

I use Rotella 30W, much quieter.

[nando]

use whatever has at least 1200ppm of ZDDP

[Blendercloud]

Valve noise is hardly ever load sensitive. But a bad bearing is load sensitive. Have a pro check out the car see what he/she thinks the source of the noise is.

I'm on board with what you're talking about here. I was looking at other threads and saw someone who was experiencing similar issues as me. That person's issue was a spun rod bearing. I'll be under the car with a stethoscope to figure out where the source is this weekend. Depending on my findings it sounds like I may be rebuilding the ol' M20. Fortunately, I haven't sold my Mazdaspeed6 yet.

[slammin.e28]

Too tight and you'll burn the valves. It's better to err on the side of loose. It should sound like those old linen mills children worked in in the 1890's.....smooth and industrious.

[funcrew]

use whatever has at least 1200ppm of ZDDP

+1. I add a bottle of camshaft break-in additive at every oil change because zinc-rich oil is so hard to find. Critical because modern oils are made for roller cams and do not protect the surfaces of flat-tappet cams/followers.

[jlevie]

+1. I add a bottle of camshaft break-in additive at every oil change because zinc-rich oil is so hard to find.

I don't think it is hard to find oil with appropriate ZDDP levels. Many auto parts houses carry Valvoline VR1 and many race shops carry Brad Penn. You want the dyno version of VR1.

[Knockenwelle]

...it shouldn't really be loud...I think most people just have worn engines.

^^This.

Geez, guys. Has anyone actually properly rebuilt a head? No, they aren't always loud. Even at RPM. Lash is just the first step. Beat guides, valve tips, rocker pads, rocker bushings, flattened eccentrics, cam condition... Sure, it CAN all make noise. And remember 20W50 is the food of choice, not a band-aid. Look in your owner's manual.

[MTechnikII]

use whatever has at least 1200ppm of ZDDP
Not sure but if this contains ZINC, I was told that The ZINC damages the cat prematurly
one of the advantages of Synthetic is that they don't contain Zinc.
Henry
1991 325ica, Mobil one 10W30 since 2003 no leak no problem,over 206kmiles
1996 ///M3 64kmiles Mobil one 10w30 since 1999 no problems.
I always used Mobil1 10 w30 in the M3 with no problems, I tryed Castrol synthec (I think it was 10w40) the engine was burning oil like crazy almost one quart every 1000 miles, switched back to Mobil one absolutly no oil burning
any ideas?

[clarkson]

I dont think thats true.

with the right valve train our engines could sound pretty quiet. beehives anyone?

Dragging up an old thread, I have just finished a 2.8 stroker and am very happy with the performance, however I have adjusted tappets 3 times and it is still noisy (is quiet for a minute then it gets loud again).

I brought this post up as I am running MM bee hive valve springs and I am wondering if they have something to do with it?

Why did this poster say "beehives anyone?"

Link to my build thread:

http://forums.eurocca.net/showthread.php/40730-M20-2.8-stroker-build-using-all-%28almost%29-factory-parts