i already searched on this and didn't find any solid answers.

my car is a 93 vtec with 106,xxx miles. just bolt ons (no cams, valvetrain, etc).

around the lower revs (~3k or so), i have a rattling sound but only on an intermittent basis (maybe a few times a week) . i have had this noise for about good 2-3 years now. I had the timing belt replaced about 4 years ago.

car runs fine and strong, but i am wondering if this rattling is caused by the auto-tensioner.

 

check the tension on the belt. Loose?

I cant see a rattle for over 2 years being a problem with the auto tensioner. Im willing to bet your header bracket that bolts to the block is broken and flopping around.

 

yeah afaik, you'll hear the tnesioner flapping ever so often and if there is too much slack caused by a failing tensioner, you may jump a few teeth, causing your car to bog a lot/stall out, etc. if i were you, i'd try and find a place that can give your tensioner a once over without charging you too much.. it's better than letting it just fail. good luck.

 

thank you both for the replies.

btw, what is "afaik"?

1. i will remove valve cover and check the tension.

2. i will look for that loose header bolt that attaches to the block. i still have the stock headers on there though...is this more of an issue with aftermarket headers?

3. if #1 and #2 don't reveal anything, time to get it looked at professionally.

 

afaik = as far as i know.


it could also break on old *** headers. just double check everything but after 2 yrs of rattling the tensioner would have gone already.

 

thanks again 98TypeSH.

if the tensioner is completely gone (failed), what are the symptoms? or is the car even driveable at that point?

 

if it fails your cams wont move, no cams = no fuel/exhaust

so at that point if any of the valves are open, the piston will destroy whatever valve is open.

i had that little header heatshield bracket rattle when i took off my heatshield sometimes, good call TypeSH.

 

hmm..i hope it really is the header heat shield or hanger...

were your rattles (from the header heat shield/hanger) around 3k rpms also, going away at higher rpms?

 

That rattle at 3k rpm then go away definately one of the heat shield (could be the header part or the one under the engine block sometimes there is stone stuck in there) kick your muffler a few time it might free up any stone)