Hey everyone, I've been trying to solve this problem with no luck. I have a completely stock 2000 civic (automatic) that is having issues under load. It feels like it has lost a lot of power and makes a loud sound thats almost sounds like air being forced out of a tube under load. Here is what I know:

- The idle is smooth, does not fluctuate and I could not find any air leaks.
- This problem just started happening this morning, it has been running fine up until now.
- I would say anything past 2k with more than 40-50% load makes the noise occur.
- A/c is still cold
- Trans/oil/coolant levels all look good and at the proper levels
- The car is not beat on, it is a daily driver to and from work

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

The little Japanese guy under the hood is having an asthma attack and gasping for air. Take it to Honda and they'll import a new one and replace it.

 

any constructive help guys?

 

Have you pulled off and inspected the intake?

Is the CEL on?

 

Hey, there is no CEL and I did inspect the intake for cracks/leaks but I did not see anything. I will have to pull it during the day tomorrow.

 

What, my post wasn't constructive enough for you?

 

Sounds like your air filter is ready to be changed.

 

That I will check too but i believe it was changed recently. Could a clogged filter cause that much power loss?

 

A clogged filter can cause your car not to run at all, stall out when stopping, rough idle, no power, loss of power, Any of the above and several others on top of causing IACV Damage.

Change your air filter every 15,000 miles or buy a K&N and wash it every oil change.

 

K&Ns are good for something like 10K between washes I believe. It surely won't hurt, but just saying.

 

u jump timing or something?

 

I'm not sure how I could have but the symptoms seem the same. Its like its too advanced for load and the sound is a fast on-off type sound, almost like a fast clicking sound. I've never heard an engine ping but this sound is pretty loud.

 

Yeah 10,000 miles sound about right, but i figure "Hell im waiting on oil to drain, let me clean filter"

if you jumped timing, you'd know it, you wouldnt get it very far with your valves intact

The pinging could be a bad valve, Bad valve lash, etc. You may have even bent a valve or broken one, I'd change air filter first, if that doesnt, re-adjust your valve lash. if that doesnt work... You obviously need to take it to a professional i wouldnt advise you to try it yourself.

 

Did you get this figured out? My car is doing something very similar and I hate throwing parts at it..

 

could be your spark plugs too whens the last time you changed them?