Don Jefe

Update:

I changed the oil and put 20-50 in it (to increase pressure) along with about 7.5oz of Seafoam (per can instructions). I hypothesized that the valvetrain wasn't getting enough lubrication during cold starts and believe that it might have something to do with the pickup, rather than the oil pump itself.

I latched onto the pickup theory because this car has been a leaky sombish since it was rebuilt to the point where I was hardly performing oil changes because I was having to add so frequently. After more research, I realized that despite adding fresh oil, I wasn't removing the less viscous (or "old") oil that had been collecting in the pan. This buildup of oxidized oil in the pan is what's fueled the idea of a clogged pickup thus far.

After running about ~170 miles on this oil, I changed it again (using 20-50 and seafoam again along with a new filter) to have one more go at the cleaning process.

Interestingly enough, the car has quieted down substantially and I am no longer getting an oil light during cold starts. I've only driven about 20 or so miles on this second oil change and I will be monitoring the motor closely. So far, the situation is improving, but I'm not holding my breath. If all goes well for about another 100 miles, I will switch back to 5/10-30 along with a smaller dose of seafoam and check the results.

More to come...


Original Post:


Hey everyone,

It's been a while since I've posted in the Prelude forum. I'm usually lurking GDD these days because the amount of problems with my SH have decreased, or so I thought

The other day, on one of the first cold days of the year, I turned the car over for the first time that day and I heard a noise that was reminiscent of when I had spun a bearing. However there was a discernible, audible difference. The low oil light also came on as well, so I immediately shut the car off and checked the stick...plenty of oil and no puddles underneath the car. Somewhat relieved, I restarted the car and let it idle to listen some more. It sounded like the valvetrain wasn't getting enough oil (think lifter-tick). I babied the car home where the oil light began blinking (low pressure) and remained to do so even though the motor began sounding completely normal after coming to operating temperature. No clacking, smooth running, no smoke, no puddles.

I did some reading and thought to do an oil change and replace with a heavier weight oil to increase oil pressure. This yielded the same result, although the initial clacking has been diminished, I still have a lit/flashing oil light. When I get home from work this afternoon I'm going to check the drained oil for shavings using a big ol magnet I have, but I'm almost certain that the bearings are okay given that the sound goes away after coming up to temperature. What concerns me is the clacking and the oil light.

At this point, I feel that the clacking and low oil/oil pressure indicator is the result of the oil pump giving out. I'll have to double-check my receipts but I'm left with the impression that the oil pump wasn't replaced at the time of the tear down. Before I go through the trouble of replacing it myself I wanted your guys' input. I have the KS balance shaft delete kit so luckily I'll be able to do this with (relative) ease and without removing the motor.

If you've read this far, you've successfully grasped high school English and deserve a . For those that didn't/don't read good:

- started car one day, engine clacking (from valvetrain?), oil light on
- plenty of oil, no puddles, didn't **** pants
- oil light began flashing after limping home
- noises went away after reaching operating temp, engine sounded normal
- changed to higher-weight oil to try and increase pressure (was using 5w-30)
- quieted the motor on cold start, oil light still comes on/flashes, diminished clacking still present
- oil pump must be taking a ****?
- ...
- profit???


Thanks for the help errone!

preludeNApower

Check your oil pressure.
Possible bad sensor

P.O.S P5

I'm having the same exact problem
I put a heavier oil and a s2000 filter, light didn't come on for like a week or 3 and now I have that clacking noise at idle... fine when i drive though

Don Jefe

I've considered that, but the sudden increase in noise makes me believe that the problem isn't just superficial.

Current plan is to drop the pan this weekend and inspect the pickup and screen. If these areas appear relatively clean and free from blockage then the only variable left would be the oil pump itself. I've come to the conclusion that the pump wasn't replaced at the time of the rebuild. That being the case, it's got quite a few miles on it.

@P5: I'll keep this thread updated with my progress. How many miles are on your motor?

Any other input is appreciated!

P.O.S P5

I wish I knew how many miles it has lol. Its from a 2000 prelude, 180 comp in all cylinders

But I'll probably do the same and check those things out on my H this weekend

Don Jefe

Updated original post with progress thus far.

minilogoguy18

Instead of guessing why don't you two just drop your oil pans and check the pickup? Both of your engines probably already are damaged, noises aren't normal.