Noisy when cold.Switch to 10w30??

[Guido]

I've noticed this 2.0 liter engine is noisy when cold. Is this normal?

My last car was a Camaro Z28, before that a Grand National 3.8 intercooled turbo and before that a 350 Iroc-z. I'm getting older now {34} and bought the P5 because it's economical, looks nice and I can carry stuff.

I was thinking of switching over to 10w30 or even going to full synthetic 10w30. What are most people using in this engine?

G.

 

[BlueMP5Dave]

What are you running in it now? I am running 5w30 Mobil One full synthetic. How cold are we talking? It gets down to -55 degrees here and my car has never ever made a noise. I will highly recommend, Mobil One and Amsoil full synthetic. They are more expensive but very much so worth it. Well I hope this helps you if you engine makes to much noise just take it back to your dealer and tell them what is going on.

 

[Mackdaddy]

It's not gonna help...

From what I've read, it's the TGV's (Tumble Generator Valves) used for cold start emissions. They use them on the WRX as well, but don't make a racket like these do.

I'm assuming the factory break-in oil is 5w30, but don't know for sure. I'll switch to Mobil1 10w30 at first oil change (as I did in the WRX.) It's not going to help with cold temp operating noise (1st 5 min of drive time,) but I like it none the less. Just my .02

Jim

 

[Guido]

My car only has 1200 miles on it and the engine is fine when it warms up but for the first 10 to 15 minutes it seems noisy. Maybe this TGV thing your talking about is why. I don't want to switch to full synthetic too soon or the rings will never seat.

I heard of people running additives and synthetic from day one only to have their engine torn apart later to have the cylinder crosshatch redone because their burning oil. I've never heard of this happening to these engines but i'm still going to wait till after the second oil change.

I'm going to switch to 10w30 which should be better then go full synthetic when I get some mileage on the car. How does the TGV thing work?

G

 

[Mackdaddy]

Agreed on waiting to switch to synthetic. I posted a bit in haste... I'll probably wait til around 10k miles myself. Rings do need some time to seat!

As for the TGV's, all I know is they're ECU controlled butterflies on the intake manifold runners. They close when the coolant is below a certain temp, and let less air flow than normal operation (they actaully have a small cutout that creates a swirl effect by nature.) Primary intention is lower cold start emissions.

Like I said, the WRX uses the same theory, and they don't make nearly the noise this setup does.

HTH - Jim

 

[ChopstickHero]

Hi guys/gals.. Here is a short version of the Mazda Memo on regards to the 2.0L Engine rattle in the Cold:

Customers may experience an engine rattle under light to moderate acceleration with engine coolant temps below 41.5 deg C and engine rpm's between 1500 to 2500.

Confirm noise only occurs with in the VTCS (Variable Tumble Control System) operation "Valve Closed" period (when ECT is below 41.5 deg C)

The noise is a result of the intentional swirl that is generated when the VTCS plates are closed. This swirl accelerates the burning speed of of the air/fuel mixture for efficient combustion and enhanced engine performance during cold engine coolant temperatures and low engine RPM operation periods.

But this noise does not have a negative affect on the engine, the noise disappears once the coolant reaches 41.5 degrees C. Mazda knows its an annoyance to some customers and is investigating new tuning standards.

So Mazda is looking into fixing this problem....

I'll try to keep you guys updated.