lunarone

I searched but could not find any thread similar to my question -

I have a 1996 LX with 109k miles. Roughly a year ago I replaced timing belt, waterpump, valve adjustment, etc. at the dealership.

I am starting to notice some noises coming from the engine when letting off the throttle and coasting.

It's more prominent under higher RPMS. It sounds like a high pitched tapping noise, and I'm guessing it is the valves making the sound.

As soon as you get back on the throttle, even slightly, the noise will go away.


Does this make any sense? Should I attempt to adjust the valves again?

Thanks in advance!

P_Adams

I doubt the valves / lash is the issue.
I would (however) suspect the timing chain tensioner. If not up to snuff, it can allow the belt to slacken upon rpm deceleration. Was it addressed when you had the t'belt job done?
If the lash were out of spec, you'd have that typewriter effect all the time.

P

lunarone

Okay, thanks P. You are always a great help!

The chain tensioner - I don't recall them saying anything about it.

Is this a standard procedure to be addressed with the t-belt, or is this a seperate operation from a regular T-belt/waterpump job?

Thanks again for your help

nus_dogg

Tensioner Pulleys are always recommended to be checked and replace when doing water pump and t-belt. Otherwise, strange noise can occur.

P_Adams

Excuse me, I ment to say "belt"
Every once and a while I have a "60's" moment and flash back to my CB750 .......

P :-)

lunarone

Haha, very well then. I'll look further into it. The sad part is that I don't think it's still under work warranty!

Thanks

lunarone

Okay - I found out they didn't mention anything about the tensioner on the paperwork, so that leaves me with a few more questions.

Aside from the noise (it's not that loud anyway) - is this something to worry about?

Is it an expensive repair to have done?

213374U

The biggest problem you can run into with the tensioner going bad is your belt jumping timing/teeth. This can cause at worst, head damage. And at the least, a no start situation.

P_Adams

I concure with 213374u, given the proper (read that as "unfortunate") conditions, the belt could jump timing. If it jumped enough, your pistons would be playing the mechanical version of "Whack a Mole" with your valves.

Confirming the condition should involve no more than pulling the upper belt cover and checking the belt tension on both sides of the cam pulley and then rechecking it when hand cranking the engine opposite it's normal rotation. A healthy tensioner will maintain sufficient tension.

The parts cost are nominal, it will be the labor that will be the problem if they don't make good.

P