I'm pretty new to CRV's but I have an 04 with manual transmission just over 120K miles. I started noticing valve tapping that became more and more pronounced, especially around 2500 rpm. So, I figured it was time for an adjustment. I ended up adjusting it 3 different times over the course of about 400 miles because I was having trouble eyeballing the cam timing marks and getting my feeler gauges in. Nonetheless, I feel confident the adjustments are at or very close to the middle of specs now.

Everything sounds relatively normal (there's still some tapping but it seems normal) except at 2500 rpm I hear an odd tapping, almost as if the sound is resonating (it's kinda hard to describe). Has anyone else experienced this?

I'm just at a lost and hoping I didn't mess something up during my valve adjustment iterations. Could it be the chain tensioner going bad? Advice and suggestions are much appreciated.

 

Are you hearing the noise by the tensioner or the valvetrain?...It's somewhat common for one to botch a valve adjustment especially your first time doing it(if it is)...

 

I guess I haven't really checked if the noise was coming from the tensioner. Also, when I rev it in neutral, I don't hear anything out of the ordinary. It's only when I'm driving and hold it at 2500 rpms.

Furthermore, (this probably doesn't make a difference) I never cruise above 3000 rpm and drive pretty conservatively.

I guess I was wondering if a failing tensioner would effect valve tapping? I went ahead and ordered one, figuring it wouldn't hurt to replace it given the mileage.

A more general question, are these engines particularly quiet in regards to valve train? I've been so paranoid lately about my valves that I focus on any little noise.

 

Quick update: I went to town and listened closely. The odd tapping comes in from 2200 to 2500 and it can be somewhat intermittent. The sound is sorta muffled. Then I read this http://www.elementownersclub.com/for...p/t-74207.html and see that the 2nd intake valve activates at 2200 rpm assuming that info is correct.

So, maybe these noises are normal? Or the clearance is better at the tighter end for the intake valves (my exhaust is at .3 mm and intake at .24 mm)? Or the tensioner isn't holding tension too well?

 

Another update:

So, in case anyone reads this, the problem seems to have been resolved with a new tensioner. I installed it per the shop manual and then re-checked my valve clearances and all were in the middle of spec. There is still tapping, but it sounds consistent and normal throughout the RPM range.

 

wow i had the same problem in 02 crv and samething i replace tensioner and problem was fix ........

 

...well I'm back to say the noise hasn't gone away. I thought it did for a little while but maybe I was just hoping it disappeared. I'm just stumped. The valves are right in the middle of spec and I've driven it for about 1000 miles now with no adverse effects. Should I just ignore it?

The noise only appears under load. When revving in neutral, I don't hear anything odd. What does that mean?

I think my next step is to let the local dealership try to diagnose it...but they may or may not be competent.