I've searched and tried most things; At just under 2000rpm under mild load, there is a horrible racket from the car.

I have tried removing the exhaust header heat shield, I have replaced the B-pipe and all related gaskets, and I've checked to make sure that the heat shields that line the exhaust from the cat back at secure, in addition to the heat shields on the cat itself.

Can someone offer some advice or repair suggestions?

I have heard reference to a "buzz kit" from Honda to address this problem, but no information on a TSB number and my dealer claims not to be framiliar with this problem.

It doesn't bother me so much, but it is driving my girlfriend nuts.. and thus me too.

 

It depends on what year your car is......but I know that the 93-97 accords had a problem with a small section {about a 4 inch piece of pipe} giving a small buzz at about 2000 rpm. I have replaced quite a few at the dealership. Anyone that has ever heard it before at the dealership should be able to recognize it very easily. It's a pretty distinct sound. The delaership sells the small pipe and new gaskets and it's very easy to fix. Rather than talk to a service writer at the delership who has probably never heard it before......I would ask a tech. to drive it a give an opinion.....but that is most likely wht it is. Good luck

 

Yes, it's a 96, and there's not much left to replace. When I brought the car in, they "couldn't replicate", and offered to replace the whole exhaust from the cat back to the header for an obscene price.

I know the pipe you are talking about though, it's the section between the A pipe and the cat?

I'll try that next and do a writeup if it works. Thanks for the help.

 

So what exactly do you ask for at the dealer ?

 

Just ask them for the small piece of pipe that goes between the cat and the header downpipe. Most dealerships will show you the technical drawing to confirm. Make sure to get two new gaskets and at least two new bolts because you'll probably have to cut them off if they've never been replaced.

I really, really, really hope this fixes the problem because I've tried EVERYTHING else. Next up is installing a header or fabricating somethign custom with a flex piece to deaden the vibration. I am sure this happens because the flex pipe is so far from the engine, on my prelude it is right after the header.

 

I have the same damn problem with my 97....but, mine is only when i floor it in any gear from 2000 to around 3300

if im not flooring it i can get away without the noise

 

94 to 97 there is a bulletin on it ..buzzing noise 1500 to 3000 rpm dealer parts department should know what it is .......kit includes . gasket .2 bolts,2 nuts, 2 springs

 

Dealer is claiming ignorance. Do you know the TSB number or have a copy you can post so I can complain armed?

I'm replacing all of the gaskets bolts and pipe on that section. Should have done it when I had the exhaust off checking the heat shields and replacing the B-pipe.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by xtal &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Dealer is claiming ignorance. Do you know the TSB number or have a copy you can post so I can complain armed?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
SB# 94-041
Here's the part numbers:
P/N 18010-SV4-305, H/C 5027362

 

Thanks!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chiovnidca &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">SB# 94-041
Here's the part numbers:
P/N 18010-SV4-305, H/C 5027362</TD></TR></TABLE>

i removed my heat shield, and its still really bad.....im assuming this isnt a recall, so ill have to foot the bill.....any idea of how much dealers usually charge for this?....i think im gonna do this, and get new bushing (rubber hangers) this week

 

sounds like the 1800rpm buzz, i believe it was a honda service bulliten.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by raceACCORDingly &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">sounds like the 1800rpm buzz, i believe it was a honda service bulliten.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Duh

 

Alrighty, back from honda.

Talked to a tech this time.

The problem (they say) is the gaskets get loose and spin and rattle around. The buzz kit will fix it for "awhile", but they had no real guarantee it would go away for good. The midpipe part and gaskets were close to $200cdn...

So, I'm going to try this: Getting a big ol bottle of high temp RTV (sensor safe, I guess) and gluing that those seals in place. I'll post up if it does anything. They hadn't tried that.

 

Keep us up to date as I have this problem also. It occured right after a new midpipe B pipe was installed. Can't figure Honda having so much difficulty with this simple problem.

 

What ended up happening? Please share!

I also have the 1800 RPM buzz (95 EX)...Been to 6 highly regarded mechanics/shops in the city- none have a clue. My exhaust system is new from the cat back, and in great condition forward. The flex pipe (that little 4 inch thingie that's been talked about) has the buzz kit installed. All the new washers, springs, and bolts were put on. It did not fix the problem. All heat shields have been checked/removed. All welds and mounts also inspected.

The dealer in my area is well aware of the problem, but the TSB specifically says it probably won't fix the problem. They say I am stuck with it. Honda really can't figure this out? Other mechanics tell me to buy a 93....

What did you finally come up with?

 

i had the same buzz and it was fixed by placing a metal strap around the heat shield on the cat. That was 5 years ago and the problem has not returned.

 

heat shild on the cat? ON the cat?

 

The converter, yes.
My '97 drove me nuts and I too checked all the shields and it turned out to be the Converter heat shield (on the top of the converter) where a weld broke.
Four stainless hose clamps from the local HD Truck parts store (air cleaner hose) wrapped around the converter case took care of it

P

 

yes on the cat. The welds break with age and constant vibration so the most effective way to solve the rattle issue is to install a steel band around it. Most if not all honda dealers will do it for next to nothing or free if you are getting some other major work done. Mine was fixed when I put my timing belt on and I was not charged anything.

 

I will give it a try tomorrow...

Was this vibration you guys had near 1800 RPM...or something you could feel throughout the whole car? I wonder how similar our problems are.

 

This "buzz" was thru the rpm range of 1950 and 2050. It was so loud that it would get the attention of casual observers from 'half a block away!
And you could duplicate it time and again by no more than powerbraking while modulating the accelerator to 2000 rpm.
I wonder how much Honda spent installing unneeded buzz kits. Seems they were in the right "church" all along, just the wrong peu ;-)

P

 

I am getting unsually frustrated with this problem. I realize the rest of my Honda is flawless, but because of this problem, my attitude towards Honda is changing incredibly fast.

I spent a bunch of hours under the car tonight. The first thing I did was take off the catalytic converter heat shields. It's been mentioned by you guys and some mechanics that it is probably the problem. I completely took the top and bottom halves off.

IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE....Heat shields to go back on.

Then I went to take all the bolts and springs off. I now have the "mid pipe" or "flex pipe" or "b bipe" off the car. Here is the interesting thing. While taking them off, I turned the car on as I the bolts got looser and looser. Each time the noise would still be there, but in different ways. The RPM at which it would occur changed and sometimes it sounded different, got worse, or got a little better. I continued until they were all off, but the pipe was still snug in there. The problem still existed, but slightly less than before taking things apart.

Looking in there I just don't see what could be causing all this. I will get new gaskets from the dealer tomorrow and completely pack everything with rtv silicon sealant and put everything back together. If this doesn't cure it, this car has got to go!