I just purchased a very clean 1992 Accord LX with 118K. I noticed a tapping sound from the valve cover that was lound when engine is cold and first started and you can still hear it but not as much when in engine is warm. It looks like it has a new timing belt and water pump. I took it to the Honda dealership and asked them to check the tapping sound and to check and see if the timing belt was properly installed. They said the belt was ok and did a valve adjustment. They told me that the older Accords tend to sound like this but the adjustment should help. I don't agree as I have a 90 Accord that sounds just fine. When I started the 92 after allowing it to cool down I can hear the same "loud" tapping sound. I don't know if it will do any good to take it back to Honda. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I should look next or what would cause this sound?

 

Sounds like they didn't do a very good job on the valve adjustment.

 

what should be done i have the same problem

 

Usually tapping sounds coming from the top of the engine that changes with the speed of the engine, indicates that the valves need to be adjusted. The sound is caused by too much gap between the rocker (part that pushes the valve down to open it) and the valve, so the rocker is actually 'slapping' the valve everytime it depresses it. If the adjustment is performed and not done to the correct specs, it's like not even performing it at all.

A cheap set of feeler gauges, 10mm socket with ratchet, 10mm wrench, and flatblade screw driver are all that is needed to perform the adjustment. Check the FAQ thread at the top of this forum. There you will find several write-ups for DIY valve adjustments on various Accord engines.

 

Just as AFA said, check the valve adjustment yourself. Did one on mine a month ago and has by far been the best thing I've done for the motor in a long time.

 

I have had trouble with the valve-train/noise F22b1 in my 94 Accord. Alot of people do say that the motors from that era naturally have a louder than average valve-train. As others and your dealer have already said, the valve adjustment is the first thing to check. It should be done with the engine cold, set the adjustment in the middle of the given range. The feeler gauge (angled or bent set is best) should slide in and slide back and forth with slight drag, you want some resistance there, indicating the lash adjuster on the rocker and the valve stem tip are the same thickness apart as the gauge. Not so tight it can't move but not too loose either.

Worn parts in the valve-train can also cause a tapping or ticking sound. If you do the adjustment yourself, inspect and take pictures of the camshaft lobes, valve stem tip, the rockers and their lash adjusting bolts. A slightly bent valve, broken valve spring and lack of lubrication are also other sources of excessive lash/clearance or noise. It may seem stupid, but make sure your oil level is correct and make sure your using the correct oil.

As far as taking it back to the dealer, it might be a good idea to do if your still hearing the noise after you adjust and inspect the valve-train. You could bring some of the possibilities I mentioned to the table and see what they have to say. A dealer could perform a cylinder compression and/or a cylinder leak down test to identify a bent valve. You could ask for them to inspect the valve-train themselves for a worn cam or any sticking/binding/worn components.

 

I inherited a 95 EX from my sister and noticed the valve train was very noisy. When I went to do the adjustment the valves were way too tight to the point I am surprised there was no damage. I put them to spec and have noticed when the engine is cold they are still noisy...as it warms up to operating temp the quiet down. IMO they are much louder than what I am used to on other imports.

 

I have also heard and understand that Honda engines in general and especially high mileage/earlier engines are known for having "piston slap" during cold start. The piston to cylinder wall clearance and piston "out of round" is designed to be slightly excessive so that as heat builds and the engine warms, the piston expands and reduces the clearance. "Piston slap" is when the piston is rocking or shifting and slapping as it moves through it's travel in the cylinder. So in short, Honda's are loud at start-up or cold conditions naturally and shouldn't be confused or mis-diagnosed with other noise. It's a compromise, some cold start piston slap for better normal operation performance and longevity.

 

iv never heard of piston slap on the F series motors (unless the problem stated below) espically a ticking sound coming from the head and piston slap is only gonna be heard for 10-30 seconds after start up and is caused by a cracked piston or a worn wrist pin
the ticking sound is your valve lash it needs to be either tighted up or loosend
to tight would be the valve smacking the piston face
to lose would be the rocker smacking either the cam or the valve tip
you need to turn that cylinder to TDC compression to peform the adjustment so you gotta raise the car up and manually turn the crank so the cam heels are on the rocker

 

 

Rod knock? Removing plugs, one at a time helps. A shocking discovery if your not careful