So I've got a 95 Civic, stock except for short ram, and I've got this clicking noise going on. Sounds like a cross between an old school film reel projector and a clicking ball point pen (tikatikatikatikatikatika). I only noticed it while passing a barrier on the highway, and it only occurs when there is heavy load on the engine (trying to accelerate).

I recently rode with a friend and he told me to drive 40mph in 5th gear. Since the motor was working harder to get to a higher mph, the clicking became louder (more noticeable). It also makes the noise when I'm in neutral.

I don't have a tach either, so I don't know if it's only within certain rpms.

Help!

Thanks

 

sounds like valve train noise to me.

do a valve adjustment.

 

valve tap?

 

Sounds like a classic case of spark knock. You may just have purchased some bad gas. Alternatively, check/adjust the ignition timing to spec using a timing gun.

 

COULD JUST BE INJECTORS. THEY MAKE A NOTICEABLE NOISE.

 

I'll look into the valve train. Is that the PCV or another valve?

It shouldn't be the spark plugs because I've replaced them a couple of times within the past couple of years. I've been hearing this noise for a while, so it shouldn't be bad gas...

Injectors, I'm not too sure about. I've been using that STP Fuel Injector cleaner and it should be working... not seeing a huge difference in performance.

What would cause the noise? Hitting a huge pothole? Or is it just because my car's old?

Thanks for the posts guys!

 

Spark knock is not caused by bad spark plugs. It's caused by bad gas or misadjusted ignition timing. Try buying your gas at a different gas station and also check the ignition timing with a timing gun.