Hey I recently bought a 1993 Honda Prelude with an H22A. I appreciate any help and here is more info on the issue:

I drove to work just fine but when I came out and started my car I have this annoying noise that sounds like an empty soda can bouncing around under my hood. I opened the hood while it was idling and it sounds like it's coming from the belt area. I'm not sure which belt it could be. I've done a lot of searching but can't conclude if this is the infamous auto tensioner or alternator belt perhaps? It's only when the car is idling and it goes away once I accelerate.

 

Just started the car again and put my ear close to the timing cover and the sound is definitely coming from there. The auto tensioner seems to be the culpirit... I guess I'll have to look into doing that swap to the manual tensioner. Does anyone know if it's safe to drive the car as is while I wait for the parts to come in? Also, I read that if you buy an OEM Auto tensioner now they are fixed to last longer. Apparenly the 00+ Preludes don't have this issue. I'm assuming just replacing the auto tensioner with a new one would be a lot easier than switching to a manual tensioner. Part # 14520-P13-013

 

Does it sound like this?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49579200@N07/4785117910/

If so, it's the timing belt rubbing on the cover. I had to take the cover off and massage some of the plastic tabs.

 

Yeah thats it! Did your sound go away once you got over 2400rpm? By massage the plastic tabs do you mean making them smaller?

 

bump. Any other input is greatly appreciated. I took the valve cover off tonight and will be working on it tomorrow morning before I work. Just curious as to what tabs you are speaking about.

 

Took the timing cover off and turned the car just to see and hear better. The belt is super loose and slapping all over the place. Stupid auto tensioner