retriever99

My 98 Lx (D16Y7) sounds fine when cold, but when warm makes a strange "gargle" noise only between 1500 and 2000 rpms. The noise is very difficult to locate, but it sounds like the type of sound that might be exhaust related. The exhaust manifold is not cracked and the heat shields seem tight and not rattling. Could the exhaust manifold gasket be leaking? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

EK45VTi

Timing belt too loose?

Timing belt too tight?

Air filter?

Well, timing belt can produce all kinds of noises believe it or not so I would check that... no need to disassemble anything, just warm up the engine, pop up the hood and then listen...

Also some brands of air filters (i.e. K&N) can produce a gargling sound... happened to me once... when there was K&N inside (replacement filter that fits the stock airbox), gargling was there... when I took out the K&N and put in some shitty piece of aftermarket air filter, gargling was gone... so I just decided to stick with the K&N no matter the gargling sound...