1994 Tick or Knock
 

Hey everyone my NAs got some not so good noises going on. I thought it was just lifter tick since its not that loud but I have since change my mind and dont know what it is. Whatever it is it goes away after 4k rpms engine sounds good but other than that it just sounds like a tractor. I am getting ready to do an oil change and then probably send my head out to get redone and buy new lifters but I dont want to dump that money to find out it wasnt lifters. Please help miata forums i beg

Tick or knock..... There just isn't enough information. The best way to tell is to hear it first hand. If you have doubts you may be able to ascertain which it is by using a screwdriver. With the motor running, place he metal end on the valve cover and your ear against the handle. you will be able to hear all the noises being made in the valve cover. If you have a tick it should be considerably louder than the other noised and be in time with the other valve noises. Truthfully, a practiced ear is the best tool to diagnose this issue. Take it to a good year and ask a certified mechanic to take a listen.