I hope you guys know what an STi sounds like because it will make it easier for me. If not, I'll try to explain as best as I can...so please cope with me.

I have a stock B16A II on my '93 Civic 4dr and I recently took out that motor and put it back on again. After putting back in, I took for a drive and i can hear this fast light "putt-putt" sound repeatedly coming out of my exhaust (it's kind of like a helicopter chopper also). I noticed my throttle response is a bit lagging, and just by hearing my head, I know I need a valve adjustment. TDC is perfect, no CEL, new spark plugs & wires. It didn't do this before. Any ideas?

 

bump cuz i have the same problem i think it might be a tooth off timing
if you figure it out please let me know

 

When this was happening with my old hatch it was headgasket time(was overheating as well)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by spoonef &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When this was happening with my old hatch it was headgasket time(was overheating as well)</TD></TR></TABLE>

really? i recently installed a new headgasket on it and there is no leak whatsoever. hmm

 

Could it possibly be an exhaust leak?

 

I think so

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NotSoSimple &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Could it possibly be an exhaust leak? </TD></TR></TABLE>

hmm possible. i'll check that first thing tomorrow and let you guys know. if anybody know any other possible problems, please please let me know.

 

I say exhaust. Perhaps a leak at the manifold? Handa didn't you have a problem your IM gasket not too long ago?

Mine mays a similar sound but it's because my exhaust has some rust holes in it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by james p. &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Handa didn't you have a problem your IM gasket not too long ago? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah James haha. SHHHH my B16 is running fine (I custom made the TB gasket and no more leak!). This situation here is actually a friend's car and I'm trying to troubleshoot for him.

Anyways, I've checked it today..no exhaust leak from exhaust manifold to catback.

Question, would a bad injector cause this?

 

sounds like engine damage to me

 

Could be an intake manifold leak. Spray some brake cleaner (or throttle body cleaner) around the IM where it meets the head (the liquid will seal it temporarily until it burns off). See if it stops making the noise. Also, although your TDC is perfect, have you checked the tension on your belt? A loose timing belt will also make valve noise under acceleration.

 

sounds like and exhaust leak to me.

 

my car did that before when I was running waaay to rich after my swap, so I wouldn't rule out fuel yet. Loose timing belt sounds possible too.

 

there's no problem! i like the way my impreza sounds.

 

it couldn't be an exhaust leak because it's almost a brand new HKS Hi-Power catback system (used for about 4 months already):

http://www.we-todd-did-racing....DE%3D

http://www.we-todd-did-racing....DE%3D

thanks for all the info. keep it coming if you any possible solutions.

 

check your timing

 

my friends boosted b16a made that noise, sounded exactly like my wrx did. his #3 cylinder had grenaded.

 

when i cracked 3 rings, my one piston machine sounded like a wrx

 

STi's sound great, I wish mine sounded like one

 

new doesn't mean it works

I would change all the gaskets that were taken apart when you took the engine out

 

OK I HAD THIS PROBLEM, CHECK YOUR SPARK PLUGS, AND THE WIRES! WHENEVER I WOULD MAKE A TURN IT WOULD DO THIS!

 

i've checked compression test on the motor.

Cylinder #1 = 209
Cylinder #2 = 206
Cylinder #3 = 203
Cylinder #4 = 210

I think that's normal. Timing belt is tight. Tested injectors, all are clicking.

 

This definately sounds like an exhaust leak..

 

I repeat, this is not an exhaust leak. Would valve float be the problem because i do need my valves adjusted.

 

Well then check the clearances - but honestly your valves would have to be REALLY out of whack to do something like that... But even so, it wouldn't make a puffing sound, it would be more like a sputtering/lumpy type sound.


Again, just because the exhaust is new doesn't mean it's leak-free. Put the car up on jackstands, start her up, and listen *closely* (not too close! no burning yourself duh) for exhaust leaks, double and triple check the header for leaks first, then move and inspect the rest of the system. It's possible that some bolts/nuts aren't tightened properly.

Also you might want to double check the engine harness and ALL grounds in the engine bay, just for peace of mind. Just think of all the things you played around with while pulling the engine - only certain things have changed and it's up to you to troubleshoot and find out what's going on.

But honestly, it REALLY seems like it would be an exhaust leak. I had some troubles like that with my previous car (CRX) in the past. I found the leak at the cat (cracked flange) after about 20 minutes of up close listening under the car.