RotaryPWR

I'm driving a 98 ex coupe with a stock d16y8.

Both when driving and in neutral, it makes a scratchy metallic sound at just about 3500 rpm up to about 4000. there is no sound at all both below and above that range. whether i drive smoothly or hard it still happens.

all fluids have been changed recently.

is it possible that it has to do with drivebelts, the timing belt, or the water pump? i think i need to change those soon..

any ideas on what it could be are greatly appreciated!!

thanks in advance!!

RotaryPWR

can anybody help me diagnose this?

Former User

Does the sound go away when you hold the clutch pedal down?

Have you checked the exhaust heat shields?

RotaryPWR

does it with the clutch pedal down.

i'll check the exhaust heat shields now

Former User

Check whether the heat shields are loose or cracked, especially near the bolts.

RotaryPWR

well there is no heat shield on top of the headers. is there another one somewhere below the engine?

Former User

The problem heat shields are underneath the car:

RotaryPWR

so new discovery. i tied up what seemed to be a somewhat loose heat shield above the cat. i went to rev the engine, and the sound was still there. so i went to rev it manually at the tb and as the sound started, i felt something spray me and heard the sound coming from the right side of the engine bay right around the alternator area.

my guess is it may be brake fluid spraying, however my fluid level has not decreased very much. also i am not quite sure that it is actual liquid that sprayed me as i didnt see any actual wet spots on me. however, there does seem to be a tiny bit of grimy wetness under the mc and on some hoses, but i cant tell if it is caused by this problem.

the spray wasnt extremely hot, so i dont think it was coolant. i also have noticed a fizzing sound whenever i turn the car off coming from that area. it lasts for about 10 seconds then fades out..

any ideas on what and how to check things in that area??

RotaryPWR

bump!!

LS2kcivic

I bet your flywheels warped. My buddies car did the same thing. He put a new clutch and flywheel no more noise.

RotaryPWR

i doubt it..i had a new clutch installed and flywheel machined about 20 000 miles ago. what do u mean did the same thing? made a sound and sprayed something?

RotaryPWR

wow i didnt even think before i posted. the sound is coming from the rear right side of the engine (driver, drivebelt, brake booster side) not the left side (transmission side).

RotaryPWR

please help!! i'm about to give up and take it to a mechanic (i really don't want to..haven't been to one in a couple years now!!)

i spent all night spraying carb cleaner around where i hear the sound..the engine idle does not change at all so i dont think it's a vacuum leak.

i got under the car and the sound is definitely somewhere around the alternator area. i was thinking driving belt or maybe alternator as there was a sound coming from the alternator when the fan turned on (this may be normal). the belts look like they are in decent shape though..

last few things to note..when the car runs, there is a spraying or leak sound coming from around the alternator. the sound is steady (maybe gets a bit louder) until 3500 rpm which is when it gets really loud all of a sudden, then fades back to normal at higher rpm. that is when i felt something spray the other day.

now when i turn the car off, there is a bubbling liquid sound (may be air, but it sounds very liquidy) which then fades off into a fizzing sound (definitely air). this is why i'm thinking it could have to do with brake fluid or maybe even coolant..

please please please give some thoughts and/or ideas!! thanks!