patrickvertigo

Like the title says, I just recently got a timing belt done in my 96 civic lx, (d16y7). It has 223k miles on it. It's been a great runner for over 100k for me. I got the belt changed at a reputable local shop that I got my timing belt done at last time. I also got the other drive belts replaced at the same time. I had a lot of belt noise before the change (average squeaky belt noise). Now afterward that has quieted almost completely.

My concern is, ever since that has quieted down, It seems like there is a deep clunking coming from the lower end of the engine. I'm not sure if it was there before the timing belt change because I think the belt noise would have covered the noise up. It literally sounds like there may be metal ping pong ***** bouncing around inside of my engine (that might be a slight exaggeration..)

Does anybody have any ideas. I hope it isn't a sign that the bearings my be going to crap inside my engine. It is still running well otherwise. No power loss that I can notice. It doesn't burn any oil. I use mobil1 5w30 full synthetic. Oil level is on the top mark. I don't abuse the car, just a dd. There are times when I drive spiritedly but nothing excessive..

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks honda-techers,

Patrick

Krut

well, are you sure its coming from the bottom of your motor? Best place to start would be using a mechanics stethoscope to try and locate the noise. listen on the valve cover, oil pan, timing belt covers etc

Former User

Under what conditions is the noise produced?

Posting a video of the sound might also help.

patrickvertigo

I do not own a mechanics stethoscope. Wish I did! I just sounds like it is coming from the lower side of the motor.. It might not be. It is only noticeable at idle or with just a gentle bump of the throttle. Anything over like 1700rpm it goes away or at least is hidden by the exhaust noise. It seems like it is easily heard from inside the car through the firewall compared to the outside. I will see what I can do to get a video with sound.

Thanks

Former User

A basic engine stethoscope can be purchased from Harbor Freight Tools for about $4. It can also be found at auto parts stores.

You might also want to check for a loose or cracked exhaust heat shield or a rattling exhaust pipe.

patrickvertigo

I just took a video and I am in the process of uploading it to youtube. I'm not anywhere near a store but I will get one when I am. I have an aftermarket header and catback exhaust on the car. It isn't very loud though. There shouldn't be anything rattling under there.

ej8b16a2

I WOULD TAKE IT BACK TO THE SHOP AND LET THEM KNOW WHATS GOING ON, JUST TELL THEM THE NOISE WASNT THERE BEFORE.ALSO DID THE SHOP CHANGE THE TIMING BELT TENSIONSER?

patrickvertigo

Yes, tensioner and waterpump were also replaced.

patrickvertigo

The shop that I got the work done at is over an hour drive from here. I have been driving it like this for about 2 weeks. I haven't noticed anything bad other than the noise. Is there a sound that a bad bearing will make? Would it be a clunking noise or a squeal?

patrickvertigo

Here is a video of the noise. The noise is most noticeable in the beginning of the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i68o-tHJTA4

honda fossil

ahhhhh i herd that noise before many of times they have the t - belt slack on th wrong side and your valve need to be adjusted

patrickvertigo

will a valve adjustment really fix that?

patrickvertigo

Is it bad to run the engine when it is like that?

honda fossil

you need to get the slack out of the t-belt first when they set the tension on the belt all the slack was on the wrong side then get the valve adj

honda fossil

the belt is basicly slaping the timing cover on every rev

300whpej

its more likely to need a valve adjustment. if it were a bad bearing, it would have gone bad by now, and would get progressively louder.

Former User

There were two dash warning lights on in cluster. Was one the CEL?

I could not really figure out what the source of the noise might be. Put the front end on stands and try to pinpoint the source of the noise using an engine stethoscope. Some people also use hoses or screwdrivers for this purpose. If the noise is coming from behind the upper or lower timing belt cover, then you can be pretty certain that it was caused when the timing belt was replaced.

Former User

If Honda Fossil is correct, here's what needs to be done:

honda fossil

the light where brake and seat belt

patrickvertigo

I should have brought it in right away. They probably won't cover it now..

Former User

Call the shop before you jump to this conclusion.

patrickvertigo

Can anyone confirm that this is what is wrong?

honda fossil

calm down a little slack is a real big deal just a little noisy. and as far as rad and main noise the get louder with increasing rpm and would not get drowned out by other noises. Bearings will make knocking noises every 180 degrees.

patrickvertigo

I couldn't really make sense out of this statement lol

honda fossil

sorry my typing blows. I meant to say that it isn't really a big deal. A little slack that is. the rods and main bearings get louder as rpm s increase. this would not be drowned out by other noises. As the crank shaft rotates, it will make a knock every bottom dead center and top dead center on every rotation.