So I purchased my ITR about a week ago, drove it 600 miles home and had absolutely no problems or noise. So did the the following maintenance items:
Plugs
Wires
Cap/Rotor
Valve Adjustment (006 intake/007 exhaust)
Fuel filter

Now the car is making some awful noise that starts right about 2800 RPM. Here is the thing, it seems to go away as I depress the throttle more. I can cruise at 70mph at 4000 Rpm mantaining speed, no noise. But as soon as I dip just into the throttle it starts to make the noise.

I am running 91, I double checked my ignition and cam timing.

I think, mainly hoping, that it's too lean. I pulled the plugs and the ground electrode is ALL WHITE. The car is also noticeably down on power. No smoking, using oil, or CELs.

I need to check the fuel pressure on Monday. I'm hoping that the lack of fuel is causing the noise and the lack of power. Any help would be awesome, thanks!!

 

Describe the noise. Does it sound like a bunch of tiny BBs pinging around against metal or is it louder and more solid sounding?

 

Yes, the BB sound is definitely more like it. But it also does it in neutral when you rev it up. It isn't just under load. The reason that I don't think it's a rod knock is cause when I lift off of the gas, the noise disappears.

 

Pinging, most likely due to a lean condition. I just fixed the exact same issue by having my car retuned. I would have that checked sooner rather than later to prevent burning up a valve or worse.

 

Was yours having some of the similar issues that I described? I'm actually thinking that the fuel pump might be the cause. I changed the filter the other day and it didn't spray out fuel like all the other Honda's that I've done fuel filters on. I really appreciate the help!!

 

i've never heard of a honda fuel pump causing this kind of problem but i guess it's possible. it does sound like you have a lean condition. if you can, road test the car with a fuel pressure gauge installed. Put it somewhere where you can see it but not where it will damage you car. then drive it and reproduce the fault. maybe the pump can't keep up with the fuel demand or you have some sort of restriction in the fuel system.
you might wanna double check all the work you did as well. It sounds like it was ok until you touched it

 

^^ I'm gonna do all that tomorrow. Double check my timing, put a fuel pressure gauge on it and check the plugs again. I'll post pictures of the plugs so maybe if I figure out this situation, it can help somebody else out.

I'm expecting a rod bearing, failure. Hope for the best, but expect the worst (actually the most expensive )

 

By the way, the car is bone stock besides a DC header and modified exhaust. It nothing that would max out the fuel system.

 

but you did change a fuel filter. could you have bent a fuel line accidentally?

 

I think you guys are thinking wayyyyyyyyy too in depth here.

OP what was your engine temp at when you adjusted your valves?

Have you checked your timing belt deflection? It is VERY possible that your tensioner coincidentally went bad causing what sounds like a rod knock at times, but will go away at times when you hit the gas.

My money is on valve adjustment though, and i am not doubting you but did you follow the procedure correctly?

 

damn. i don't think i've ever heard of an engine pinging under no load...

leads me to believe it's certainly something else.