Campee

I have a 1998 Civic LX with 67K miles on it, auto transmission. My car keeps making a scraping sound while idling. The sound is coming from the engine. I was told that it could possibly be the timing belt going. Isn't that really premature? Any other ideas what the scraping sound could be? It's getting louder, making me worry more and more. It's not a very loud scraping, it's sorta low but it is definitely getting louder. It scrapes probably once or twice a second, it is a regular sound, not randomly scraping. Any help or insight would be appreciated. If it is the timing belt, should I get it replaced or just wait a couple thousand miles and replace it when they recommend? Thanks.

ImportHatch

timing belt rubbin on the cover? If its something scraping and it sounds like its comin from outside the motor than its prob not too many things it could be. Just try to trace the sound.


Yager-

dirtySOHC's

could be a motor mount going bad. you just gotta listen close to your motor. stick your head under your hood till you think you can pin point it.

it could be so many things its hard to determine......

Campee

no, it's not an engine mount going bad...it's definitely coming from the area where the timing belt is. is there anything up in that area that could be scraping other than the timing belt? what should I do if it IS the timing belt (which I suspect it is)...should I have it adjusted, replaced, just ignore it for another 10,000 miles and replace it? thanks..

dirtySOHC's

if you think it is the timing belt then inspect it. check out wats goin on. if the belt is damaged then replace it and if there is some thing in the area that is causing the noise then try to correct it.

i dont know about you but if i feel there is a problem with my car i try to look into it as much as i could and as far as my knowledge of my car would let me. if after i cant figure it out then i look to other ppl for help. its common nature dont you think?

deepnite

it sure sounds like a belt or pulley problem...if there s any belt shelds..try to remove them and see if the sound still there..then check the tension on the belts and pulleys to see if anythings loose..the the noise of a loose hose spouting off vapor might also be the culprit..it doesnt always have to sound like the obvious

Campee

i don't know that much about engines heh

i guess i'm pretty convinced that it is the timing belt...i'll try and take the cover off and check it out. is it easy to adjust the tension of the belt? what tool would I need? is it really that bad to just leave things alone and replace the belt at like 75,000 miles? (8K miles to go) thanks for the help so far, i appreciate it

kane2g

you're should change timing belt at 60K

tonyxcom

If you have a/c....

Turn it on and see if it goes away.

I have seen the clutches in ac pullys go bad.