Hi Steve,

Its always possible that your guage is just reading a bit high, but
the temperature is ok. Alternatively, a previous owner might have
fitted a higher temperature thermostat - not sure if Mazda supply
them, but if its an "industry standard" part, it may be available.

I've heard that a ticking can come from a "backlash reducing" device
associated with the camshafts - the advice was that, if that's the
cause, its not critical to replace it. Worth looking for
information on MX-3.com

Never noticed the whistle. Could it be a vacuum hose leak? Worth
checking, and cheap to fix.

Ian

--- In mazdamx3ownersuk@y..., "Steve Thomas" <steve.thomas@b...>
wrote:
> Since i've only recently acquired my MX-3, i wonder if the more
> experienced owners out there could answer a few queries? Here goes:
>
> 1. The needle on my temperature guage is always just above half-way
> after the car has warmed up. Is this the normal operating
> temperature? A Mazda dealer said that it was a little over what
> they'd expect, but the radiator/thermostat etc are all fine.
>
> 2. At idle, the engine emits a noticable 'ticking' sound. I've
heard
> rumours that this is a charactaristic of the early (pre '93) V6s.
> Does the V6 have a naturally noisy tick-over, or do i have a
problem?
>
> 3. Anyone notice a faint whistling sound after 2,500rpm (whether
> moving or at a stand-still)?
>
> Thanks in advance. Are there any planned meets in the near future
by
> the way?
>
> Steve.