i recently bought a 1991 Honda Accord EX... runs good except when i cut off the car i hear this "airplane landing" winding down sound. i believe its coming from right around the firewall on the drivers side. maybe the part of the engine labeled PGM-FI. does anyone have a clue what it could be?

oh the sound only lasts 10-15 seconds and happens no matter if the engines only been running for a few seconds or a hour...

 

lol...maybe you have a jet engine in there! It's probably the rad fan

 

That is ether the sound of the residual amount of air still being sucked through the throttle body. Or your engine cooling fans or internal blower unit (A/C/Heater fan) coming to a stop.

There is usually a bit of vacuum or pressure created as the crank rotates a few times without spark. The pistons continue pull/push air in the cylinders. Usually that sounds more like a huff or a puff though.

 

Jeremyville, did you ever find out what the problem was? It sounds like the same sound I have which is not the cooling fan or blower fan. It makes the same sound with the engine running however it's tougher to hear but it does appear to be coming from or near the throttle body. I've had the car for 21 years and can identify almost every noise. This sound is new and fortunately does not effect how the engine performs. any input would be appreciated.

 

its just the last breathe or air before sleepy time. if you have a short ram intake it gets louder my 90 accord 94 prelude and my old 96 accord all made this sound. my girlfriends 02 accord also makes the same sound