I'm about to replace my oil pump in my 2001 LX. The "frigging bastage" o-ring is leaking and I'm losing probably 3/4 quart per 3K miles. However, probably about 3 mos ago it made a sound one day that sounded like a "knack, knack" for probably 5 sec as I started driving it after cold. It increased slightly with gas.

Went away, didn't come back. Just started again the other day but again, gone and I can't get it to repeat. After research it looks like Rod Bearings are the likely cause so I'm thinking the dorked up Oil Pump may have led to more wear, or maybe just old car disease (160K). Questions:

1) Could I just try and fix the oil pump and see how she goes or should I go ahead and just do the rod bearings also. Meaning, if it made that noise are they pretty much toast? I'm thinking that I may have hope for the crank if I go this route. If I pull the pan and inspect them, what should I be looking for?

2) If I replace them, one thing I'm confused about it is it sounds like I have to pull the pan (regardless) to get the code. Then order the bearings. Then put them in and measure clearance with Plastigage. Then hope like mad that it is OK because if not I have to try a different set of bearings. My question is, how do others do this...seems like a lot of trial and error with 8 bearings that can't be returned?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

Here is the sound btw:

 

Definitely rod bearings.... Shouldn't have ran the car knowing the oil pump wasn't working properly.... Either get a used d17 or have it rebuilt...

 

Thanks - I appreciate your help. I just got the bearing codes today, deliver this week, replacing them next weekend. Waste of time? It's only made the sound twice for about 5 seconds. I measured Oil Pressure at 14 psig @ idle, 70psig @ 3000 rpm.

 

hope it works... just make sure the crank or the caps don't have any bad scarring or deep cuts.

 

I'm in the same situation, post back the results to see if it worked.

 

I replaced my rod bearings on Saturday, here are some pics (below). All I can say is it is like a different car - the engine is WAY smoother. My only concern is I came across a thread that said basically, if it knacks when accelerating then it is the main bearings, if it happens when you take foot off gas, it is the rod bearings. My was during acceleration so I'm waiting to see if it returns but so far so good.

 

I think I can change the main bearings in the car so that is my next chore!

 

Well, the "knack" was back today (or at least I think I heard it). I'm not sure if it's the bearings though - I check my oil and it was half up the dipstick. Damn oil pan is leaking all over. I just can't seem to get it right no matter how clean, etc. It does not appear to be leaking from the seals but it's really hard to tell. Either way, I'm going to try and replace the main bearings just cuz.