Hello HT, I have a problem that just started yesterday. I have an ls vtec turbo which drove amazing with open downpipe and still drives fine after I installed full 3" exhaust yesterday.

When I had open downpipe it was very loud and obnoxious and shook my whole car and I couldn't stand it. So after installing exhaust, I started hearing a ticking noise from the engine bay and every time I accelerate it gets louder.

I'm not sure if it's the belt, an exhaust leak, or something inside the motor. It could have always been ticking but I just never heard it because of the open downpipe.

My temp stays cool and constant and my idle is fine after it warms up. On a cold start it fluctuates from 900-1100 rpm's. But once its warm it stays at a constant 1100. I am running rich but I will be getting a retune by John Vega this week.

My friend told me it might just be an exhaust leak because air is flowing out and when I accelerate it pushed more air making the ticking noise but I don't think air ticks.

When I drive, it drives perfect, when I'm at a stop, it idles perfect, and when I clutch, I don't lose power. No smoke or anything. It might be normal but the sound bothers me.

Anyway, here are some videos, please help me figure this out. And if you need more information please tell me so I can help you help me!

Again, I appreciate you reading this and helping out!


http://youtu.be/euEoSvQ2BOs

http://youtu.be/BXitI-f-0vk
In this video please do not let the vibrating glove box confuse you with the ticking, the noise I am referring to is toward the end of the video when I give it a little gas. About 16 seconds in.



EDIT 11/27/11

Ticking noise is back but I don't know if it's from the head or block. I never heard a rock knock so i cannot tell the difference. Earlier it was my lost motion assembly and I replaced it and the noise was gone. Now the noise is very loud. Please help again honda-tech.

Here is a video I just made 10 minutes ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWPSY4cq6Zo

 

Hey Bud,
Unfortunately I can't check the videos now, but have you looked into valve adjustment?
Research a bit on that, from what I gather improperly adjusted valves can make loud ticking noises.

Also... we don't have lifters on our engines, do we? I remember back in the DSM days... a common loud ticking noise was caused by an older revision of the lifters.

Good luck and keep us posted on your findings.

 

Thanks so much for the response, I'm going today for a compression test and maybe a valve adjustments. I'll keep you posted.

 

It's most likely what DSM posted above. Judging from the videos, a valve adjustment should solve the ticking noise. I had the same problem when I first installed my GSR swap, didn't notice any idling problems but response time when revving up and down improved after valve adjustment.

Just to be sure you should consult your tuner when you bring it in.

+1 for S2k seats. =]

 

Thank you D3vin! I feel a lot better that it's just valve adjustment now. And thanks for the compliment on my seats, after my retune, I will create a build thread. There are tons of goodies in this one.

 

So how did it go man?

 

Yeah I was gonna say that sounds fairly average for honda's. I've yet to meet a honda that doesn't "tick" one way or another. Just like DSMAddicted said about DSM's.

 

Valve adjustment was a success im guessing?

 

I guess so... I can't hear any ticking, all I hear are crickets.

 

Sorry work and school has been making me put it off. I am finally doing a compression test today and I don't know what happened to the second video. I'll update working 3 hours. Thanks guys!

 

i heard once that it could be the injectors? mine has the exact same sound, but its not consistent. it'll stop once in a while

 

Compressions are great, it's the Lost Motion Assembly. Ordering a new set from Honda now, thanks everyone!

 

bump help again please

 

Uh. What happened with post #12?

 

From the first time i posted, it was a light ticking. I found out it was my lost motion assembly was worn out so i bought brand new ones and replaced them. The noise went away, acceleration was smoother, and my idle was better. Now it is something else.

 

Just found an exhaust leak. 3 of the down pipe bolts are very loose. I don't have tools with me but I'm tightening them tomorrow. Please let me know if you think that is what's causing the tick. Thank you!