I have a 94 accord automatic with 250k miles. When the engine is hot (after driving about 15 minutes) when it changes gears if there is a car a wall or any solid object next to me I can hear what sounds like a slight valve rattle. It only last a second or two and only when it changes gears. I checked my timing and it is right on the mark. Is this something I should be concerned about and what would cause this? Thanks

 

PS- According to the temp gauge the engines running temp is just under 1/2 way up the gauge,so I don't think its a overheating problem.

 

Could a loose timing belt cause the noise? About a year ago I replaced the timing belt and water pump because the water pump was leaking. I did not replace the tensioner though.

 

I'm not sure exactly what it would be but it sounds more like its the tranny making the noise to me. Does it make the sound if you change gears with your foot on the brake while stopped?


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No,It only does it when the engine is hot and there is a drop in the RPMs from changing gears. It does not do it when I let off the gas either. I only hear it for a second or two tops.

 

Every accord i have owned makes that noise i wouldn't let it bother me.
But im not there the best thing to do is check the clearances and see if they are still in spec. But most likely its just normal wear noise you do have alot of miles on it.

 

Are you sure the sound is engine related and not from the tranny solenoid? You can identify it with some one inside the car. Pull the hand brake, and put your foot on the brake, shift it into gear and the hood up. You can hear the solenoid clicking. Nothing to worry about.

 

When valves rattle, thats also known as pinging/spark knock. I don't think thats your problem if your ignition timing is dead on.

 

I'm starting to wonder if the sound I am hearing may be a rod knocking. When I first start my car after it has been sitting for around 4 hours or longer I hear what could be a rod knocking when it is idling in park. When I put it in gear the sound changes a little and almost goes away. After the engine is hot I do not hear it at idle but do hear the sound I described above after the car changes gears . It seems like I first noticed the sound at cold idle when I changed my 10w 30 oil and replaced it with 20w50. I know the 50w is a thicker oil and am wondering if I should switch it back to 30w.