Someone awhile back said that they had gone to a shop and gotten a diagram and instructions on how to replace the problem part of the oil pump. I can't seem to find that message and I could really use a copy of those instructions. The quotes I've been getting from shops are all $450 or more. :( Private replies can be directed to sirslex@...

i have the procedure, if anyone wants to save about $380 in parts and labor just email me and ill send it to you (inspektadeck36c@...)

hey send it my way...im sick of the ticking!!! >

here you go man. let me know how it turns out i havent done it yet HLA NOISE AFTER LONG IDLE: HLA noise my be heard when the engine runs at idle for over 15 min. this is caused when air enters the oil gallery. to prevent this condition, the configuration of the oil pump control plunger has been changed. PARTS INFORMATION: PART # description qty. jf0114115 oil pump plunger 1 je1040355 exhaust manifold nuts 3 fs0114248 gasket, inlet tube 1 9954102204 0-ring, stiffener to oil pump 1 (YOU MUST GO TO A MAZDA DEALERSHIP TO ORDER THESE PARTS!) 1. record any preset stations on the vehicles audio system. 2.disconnect the negative battery terminal. 3.remove dipstick. 4.raise and support the vehicle. 5.remove RH, front splash shield. 6.drain oil and reinstall plug. 7.disconnect the oxygen sensor connector. 8.remove and discard the (3) exhaust inlet pipe to exhaust manifold nuts. 9.remove the (2) bolts from the flex pipe hold down bracket and position the flex pipe out of the way. 10.remove oil pan bolts *carefully pry the pan from the stiffener. 11.remove and discard the oil pump strainer gasket. 12.remove the (12) stiffener bolts. NOTE: remove bolts using the two pass method according to the sequence shown in fig. 2. 13.remove (3) bolts from stiffener to transaxle housing. 14.remove stiffener. 15.discard o-ring between stiffener and oil pump. 16.remove snap ring (adjacent to o-ring) on engine block and discard oil pump control plunger. 17.replace oil pump control plunger with modified plunger. NOTE: lubricate oil pump control plunger before installation. 18.remove silicone sealer from stiffener and oil pan sealing surfaces with a suitable scraper or wire wheel. NOTE: prevent silicone sealer fragments from entering the cylinder block. 19.clean the surfaces with a denatured alcohol. CAUTION: never use cleaners that are petroleum based (such as mineral spirits) or soap and water on areas to be sealed. these products will leave a residue that resists sealing action. 20.lubricate the new o-ring (stiffener to oil pump) with clean engine oil. *install o-ring 21.apply a bead of silicone sealer to the stiffener as shown in fig. 3. 22.install the stiffener and stiffener bolts using the two pass method. NOTE: tighten bolts by following the sequence shown in fig. 4. TIGHTENING TORQUE: 19-25Nm (14-19ft/lbs) 23.install (2) crankshaft to rear oil seal retainer to stiffener nuts TIGHTEN TORQUE:8-10Nm (71-88ft/lbs) 24.install (2) black rubber grommets. 25.install the following: *new strainer gasket. *oil pump strainer. TIGHTEN TORQUE:8-10Nm (71-88ft/lbs) 26.apply a continuous bead of silicone sealer around the oil pan as shown in fig. 5. 27.position oil pan on stiffener. *install new oil pan bolts. TIGHTENING TORQUE: 19-25Nm (14-19ft/lbs) 28.re-attach the flex pipe bracket TIGHTENING TORQUE: 34-47Nm (26-34ft/lbs) 29.install (3) new exhaust pipe to exhaust manifold nuts. TIGHTENING TORQUE:34-47Nm (26-34ft/lbs) 30.connect oxygen sensor. 31.install RH splash shield. TIGHTENING TORQUE:8-10Nm(71-88ft/lbs) 32.fill engine with oil to proper level 33.connect battery, reset clock and audio stations. 34.verify repair.