2007430

Hi, first off let me say I am new to this site and really appreciate any help

Now, I have a '97 Civic LX 5-Speed manual. When I start the car up, especially first thing in the morning when its cold out there is a semi loud ticking I hear that sounds like it is coming from the engine. It goes away after a few minutes of driving. It is usually most noticeable at about 2000RPM and seems to go away above or below that.

Do you think I should try a different oil? If I check engine vacuum will that possibly help point me in the right direction?

Any ideas of what it could be, please let me know.

98civdx

have you adjusted your valves? it could possibly be whats called "piston Slap"
which is not really anything to worry about to much alot of hondas do it untill they warm up....

miles on motor? what kind of oil do you use?

Warhawk

I have a d16y7 with 90k on it and I got the same thing. It happens when it has been sitting for long periods of time. I use mobil 1 5w30. I think it's just because the head is not fully lubed up with oil after it had been sitting, which would cause the tick sound.

SquirtleSquadEf9

My engine teacher says its common for hondas....Mainly because people do not use the OEM Oil Filter so it restricts the flow. Second because people use a oil that is to thick. like 20-50. u should be using a thinner oil like 5-30 10-30. but the best one would be what the MANUFATURE RECOMMENDS

2007430

Hi, Thanks for all the reply's everyone.

I have just under 160,000 miles on it, I use Castrol 5w-30 with a K&N oil filter. The car is stock.

How often do the valves need adjusting?

I was thinking it was piston slap to, are you sure thats not something I should worry about.

Thanks everyone, I am not really that familiar with Hondas

Rangedrecon

Maybe you should upgrade to 10w30, on a little higher mileage car. its a little thicker so when its cold it'll make sure the parts aren't clicking together. if it's only doing this when its cold and its gone when it warms up that would be my guess cause the oil will heat up to 30 after awhile..

Pothole987

My car does the same when it sits for a few days. I usually let it warm up for 2 minutes before i go for a drive. I use OEM filter (right from honda) and 10w30 mobil 1 Oil.

98civdx

i would keep using 5-30 but maybe switch in the summer.
i was told every 50-75k but im not sure, definetly adjust them tho.
piston slap is something that almost every honda does. all it is the piston isnt sealing in the cylinder but when it gets warm and expands it goes away.
hell i just heard a si with 45k doing it, mine does it every morning till she gets warm,
you should always let it warm till it stops. dont drive away till its still doing it.

TravisCadello

the oil is probably to thin. new engines are good for 5w30 but old engine with lots of miles that is to thin. try 10w30 and it will go away. if not then get your valve lash adjusted.

2007430

Thanks for all the help everyone, I'll try the 10w-30 and see if that helps I can probably do it this weekend. It does make me feel better to know that this is normal for Honda engines and not really something to worry about.

Also does anyone have a good DIY, preferably a video on how to adjust the valves? I have a pretty good idea of how its done but I always like having a little guide with me to be sure

Thanks Everyone

rkcarguy

This winter my wifes EK did this several times in the morning, it's got 185K on it and a new low mile motor "on deck" so I was like "whatever", but after about 20 seconds it shuts up. I run 10-40 during the summer and 5-30 in winter, but didn't change the 10-40 out because I was lazy and it only had 1800 miles on the oil change. Too thick of oil is usually the culprit imo. It was like 5 degrees out when mine was making the noise.
If you have valve noise when the engine is fully warm, then you need to adjust them, otherwise don't bother.