In the last 2000 miles or so, my B16 has started rattling from the timing belt area. It's a very irregular rattle that sounds like the rattle in a paint can. Above about 2000 RPM's it goes away completely, and once the car is warm it goes away completely. It's only there when it's dead cold, and it's there every time.

I found another thread where someone posted the exact same problem with a video. The sound my engine is making is identical.

https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-integra-6/strange-rattling-sound-2575836/

Unfortunately, he did not post a follow up with the resolution, if there was any.

The sound is definitely not coming from the head. It sounds like it is coming from near the crank so I doubt it is the LMA's.

I adjusted the valve lash to spec. (no effect)

I pulled the accessory belts off. (no effect)

I pulled the timing belt covers off (a bit of a pain, since I've got a Fluidamper harmonic ballancer). The timing belt looks fine. On the engine block, around the crankshaft, there is a strange orange powder, that comes off to the touch (rust??).

Timing belt tensioner appears to be in good shape (although I have no way to tell if it is causing the rattle or not).

Water pump has approx. 60k miles on it.

I ran the motor with the timing belt covers off and nothing obvious seems to be making the noise.

Any other suggestions?

The car is otherwise running perfectly. It pulls hard all the way up the rev band, and fuel economy is over 30mph when I'm light on the accelerator.

 

Here's my video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej9KCkegvgc

Accessory belts are off, timing belt cover is off.

 

Here's the orange dust around the crank I mentioned before ...


The tensioner appears to have some orange 'stuff' on it too, but a little more goopy?

 

Okay guys, I really can't believe it, but the problem is with the Fluidampr. I put the OEM crank pulley on, and all of the problems went away!!! I also noticed there is a slight wobble on the crank with the Fluidampr on. WTF is going on!!!! Time to get on the horn with their support

 

The Fluidampr appears to be in good shape physically ... So I'm not exactly sure why it's failing to balance the engine.





I'm pretty sure those grooves in the rear are there from the factory, but I don't really remember.

 

Sounds like it's time for a K swap! Or can you just stick a new Fluidampr on? Any warranty on it?

Lemme know what you decide for your brake pads... I'm due for brake pads soon too (tho I need to pop my wheels off and dbl check).