Kfactor

Looking for any thoughts on a what seems to be valve train noise on a 1998 Accord EX with a VTEC 4 cyl. Car has 70K miles. Over the past six months or, started to notice what sounds like valve ticking on cold starts which would last until engine reaches full temp. Had never had valves adjusted as recommended in owners manual. Thought that might be it and set up with the dealer. Valve adjustment was done, but had zero impact, and dealer says everything looks fine. Noise is getting worse. It seems as though it almost cuts in and out at about 1000 rpm. Below 1000 rpm, runs fine. Above 1000 rpm, fairly heavy ticking/knocking until full temp and it almost sounds like I am getting the noise at full temp as well now, just much less pronounced. With no relief from the valve adjustment, seems like it is not a clearance issue.
Any ideas out there? Appreciate any responses. Thanks

philadd

sticking valve(s) maybe?

BVH

I have a 98 4-cyl coupe and I have a simular noise. In my case I took my car to work and tore it down. I have a small crack in the block in between the sleeves of 2 and 3. I have seen this before on eariler Accord V-tecs. The crack actually has clearance when cold and the sound is block tapping together until it expands. Have never seen any problems because of it, just noise. A guy I work with has driven his for 90k with a crakced block, no problems. This is just my situation you may have other things going on such as lower end problems or possibly a camshaft bearing journal wearing funny. Just thought I'd share.

RKA

When you say you've seen this before...can you be more specific? Is the crack visible when removing the head? What are other common symtoms? Is the crack usually in the same place on cars you've seen?

The reason I ask is because I bought a used Accord last week. 98, 4cyl 5 spd. Just prior to purchase, oil was found in the cooling system. The head gasket was repaired by a reputable shop just before I took ownership. 1 week later, more oil is found in the cooling system. The car went back to the same mechanic, who is currently removing the head, and having the machine shop retest for leaks. If it's not the head, we're thinking there may be a flaw in the block. If so, I'm looking at a $3K bill to replace that engine. It seems odd to me that a honda block would fail like this (car has no history of misuse or abuse, it was a plain jane commuter car)...unless there is a history, in which case, I don't want to end up putting another defective motor into the car.

020

3k is a lot to replace an F23a1. IMO

RKA

If you have a reliable source, I'm open to suggestions. Prices I'm getting at $1K for an engine with unknown mileage, to $2K for an engine that my mechanic would vouch for, since he believes his source is reputable. Add labor, and the replacement of various hoses, gaskets, and the clutch replacement, and I'm in the $2-3K neighborhood.

Apologies to Kfactor for the hijack!

020

There are a number of reliable places. Where have you looked?

Elvis1977

Don't wory my car does the same. I have a 98 accord Four cylinder with 110k. Honda dealership claims it's lower main berings getting slightly worn. REMEMBER, NEVER LET YOUR OIL LEVEL GET LOW and you should be ok.