94k and having lots of valve clatter. Only way valve lash clearance can be affected is premature valve, cam and lifter were. Good maintenance and oil changes. Possible variable valve timing issue also. No reason for premature were. Have 2 identical vehicles and the one with 60k more miles is doing fine. 20k difference in build vin . One is falling apart and has massive problems throughout and one is doing fine. Making no sense.
Mazda had problems with their CX-7 engines from 2007 - 2010 as noted below. they said that the problem was fixed for the 2011 year. it’s possible you got an engine left over from 2010 especially if your vehicle was built in the beginning of the year. I would get your VVT/ timing chain replaced,
CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2010 Mazda CX-7 appears to share the same engine defects as the three previous model years: VVT/timing chain failure & turbo failure. The timing chain failure is especially bad with many cars requiring an engine replacement ($9,000+).
In 2011, Mazda began a “Special Service Program” that extended the warranty to 7 years/70,000 miles covering excessive timing chain noise — an early sign of timing chain failure. However coverage under the program requires perfect documentation of all required maintenance with other stipulations. Buyer beware.
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Why do you think it is valve clatter? Do you mean the sound seems to be coming from the valve area? Diy’er here, and +I’m not familiar w/that engine configuration. 4 cylinder turbo, OHC, hydraulic lifters, VVT? If so, I’d guess the more likely clatter source is something associated w/ the timing chain, as suggested by WW above. This doesn’t necessarily imply the engine needs replacement, depends on the circumstances.
How many miles elapsed (on average) between oil and filter changes?