Shisno

So let me start by saying that I know little to nothing about the mechanics of a car, so if this is a simple problem I apologize in advance. I didn't want to resort to posting something like this, but after doing a lot of internet research I haven't really been able to narrow down the problem, but I do have a feeling that is either the timing belt or alternator.

My car is a 2000 civic si, with just under 280000 km... as far as I know the belt has never been replaced (it hasn't always been my car, it went through both of my older brothers first) The noise kind of started slowly, where I would sometimes notice it while driving but I didn't really think anything of it because it would go away quickly. Now the noise is there just about every time I start the car, it usually goes away once I start driving but sometimes it doesn't and it can sometimes be there throughout a whole trip.

Here are a couple videos of the car... the first one is in my parking garage (so its dark as *****, and there is somewhat of an echo) the second one was taken outside, so its a little more accurate sound-wise. In both the videos the sound for the most part stops, but you can still hear it a little.

video 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezg_RZn3VL0

Video 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d06hpESPWDI

Sometimes theres a bit of a rattling/knocking noise that you can't really hear in these videos, but I guess its better than nothing.

Anyone know wtf is wrong here? thanks in advance!

ballisticej1

You have a hole in the intake pipe that anything can get sucked into.

I realize that's not the problem, but that's really not good.

Shisno

I've noticed that before and thought it wasn't right, but I wasn't the one who installed it so I didn't really think much of it. Should I just completely cover that up, or throw one of those small air filters on it?

What exactly is that hole even for?

zXeX

AC bearing perhaps? I just cut the belt on my failed AC compressor.. the bearing was out, made the same type of noise, just a little more "grindy"...

vtechjunkie

iTrader: (2)

Really, it's hard to hear anything on these vids. What I did back in the day; when I couldn't diagnose a problem, was took it to a shop for a free estimate. Found out what was going on, then just fixed it myself. Try that. Rather dis-honest, but when times are hard and you have little know-how, what do ya do?

Shisno

UPDATE:

The problem has now been resolved, I kept putting it off due to school/work and trying to drive my car as little as possible. Anyways, I was out with my car today and when I got back in it wouldn't start, a belt had seized... turns out it was the ac compressor belt so I just cut the bitch out now everything works great.

Thanks for the help everyone!

zXeX

My awesome answer ftw. Yea, after I cut my belt (before it got a chance to seize) the engine ran alot better. It was to the point antifreeze was starting to seep from the top hose where it connected to the engine so the pressure was building for something bad.

Shisno

Haha yeah, my car didn't really change in how it drove, but am I ever glad those horible noises are gone. Sucks that I dont have ac anymore, but its better to have a car with no ac then no car at all.