I have recently made a steal at spending $1,000 dollars for a 1994 Honda Accord with 93,000 miles on the stock engine.

While the car rides smooth and shifts well. (AutoMatic)
I do notice the car makes a very LOUD and noticeable "WHOOSH" noise, when moderately to slowly accelerating right at the gear change.

So to reexplain: If I put my foot to the pedal and about 45mph-50 it shifts out of first. Smooth, and Clean NO NOISE.

If I accelerate moderate - somewhat slowly, when it shifts over there is a "whoosh" noise with a slight jerk. Similar sound of a BOV on a turbo.
Keeping in mind this is an automatic, there should be no jerk or noise!!

So, I am a bit clueless. I have gone to a local Honda Dealership where the car was originally purchased and the mechanic even drove the car for their inspection. I was told its basic sound and shouldnt be worried about.


Honda Dealership did a free "40 Point" Inspection.

Results were only:

Timing Belt - $865.00 (Including all parts, labor, Belt, Fastener, Pumps)
They also recommended while the engine is dropped to do the following:
Valve Cover Gasket - $75.00
Oil Pan and Oil pan Gasket - $88.00

Other Items:
Air Filter - $55.00 (Went to Napa and spent $15.00 DIY..duh)
Oil Change and Filter - $65.00 (Went to Jiffy Lube - $19.99 w/ 4QT)
Front End Alignment - $85.00


I have gotten estimates around town that range from about $450-650 for full Timing Belt (Including all parts, labor, Belt, Fastener, Pumps)

Even asked about the noise...SAME answer. I have gone to other shops so that THEY can hear the noise but still no one can give me a straight answer. They range from typical noise, to maybe a belts loose.

Instead of "_________" is making the noise and it cost $_.__ to fix...!


Out of all hand in hand the car is a steal and a fun, quick driver. I just wish I knew what the noise was. Instead of fixing it, I find myself toying with cars who have real power and actual turbos, and they will give it a run because they hear the noise.

So any ideas?

Ive had a transmission flush, Engine cleaning top and interior, oil change, air filter change, and all fluids changed and topped since having the car.

Looking for timing belt and a few tune up items (plugs, wires, etc..)

ANY IDEAS?

 

Is the noise distinctive enough to get a recording of it; or would it be overwhelmed by background noise? It would help if I could hear it.
Personally, I don't think the noise is "Normal". But I do understand the answer you're getting from everyone.
They don't want to tie up a tech for two days doing road tests trying to find this thing, and have to charge you $800 in diagnostic fees to find a bad motor mount.....
Either way, this is going to be time intensive; so let's attack this thing intelligently.

Is there anything else you've noticed, ie:
General location?
Does it get worst under heavy accelleration?
Anything else whacky going on?

Don't feel bad about "So, I am a bit clueless"
This would give anyone the *******...

P

 

Does the sound occure when the tranny is cold or warmed up or both? Also when was the last time the fluid was changed? May be nothing, may be something. I would keep driving it till it get's a little worse. If it stays the same then I really wouldn't worry about it.

 

For general info this is a completely stock 1994 honda accord dx 4CYL Automatic

Weather its warm or cold the noise is about the same. I think I could record a little drive with my digital camera and upload it.

I notice the noise from about 0-65, after that between road noise its a little hard to hear. The only thing that is noticed is "HARD SHIFTING" in early gears.

For example, from a dead stop (0-40) If I just hard accelerate the noise doesnt happen much when it shifts over. If at that point (at 40mph drive) I accelerate to about 60 and it shifts up and than break back down to 35-40 for it to reshift (HUGE WHOOSH Noise).

If I roll up to about the same speeds as above but not giving it full power the Noise is louder, and it shift smoother.

So with that scenario, and similar accel - decels with a quick shift from the tranny it gives off the "wHoosh" noise.

I have myself believing it is transmission related. Going to get an inspection on Monday. Guess I will see what they have in store!