First off, I wanna say thanks to everyone on this site. Just about everything we needed to know to fix something, found it here thru searching. That's the power of searching, amirite? Anyway, I'm looking for help for an odd problem that I can't find anything on. Short background.. my 1995 Honda Civic EX (manual) has had the following replaced/done recently: coil, drive axles, ignition control module, valve cover gasket set and lastly a tuneup (plugs, wires, rotor and distributor since PCV wasn't in stock.)

There's this weird screech like sound that's coming from under the hood. I can't describe it any better other than it sounding electrical but might be wrong. Sounds like it's coming from the distributor or somewhere around there. If I can record it I'd definitely post it. Doesn't sound like metal grinding, bad brakes (which are still good), alternator or anything. It's pretty random too. Sometimes it'll go off when I start the car, drive, idle or none at all even if I put in the clutch or not. What I do know is that it popped up once the ICM went bad since its never done that before. The ICM also screwed up my tach but the engine itself runs fine. Just got back from seeing if it'll throw any CEL codes but none came up.

Anyone have any ideas? I'd like to hear what you guys have to say first before I even decide to take it to a mechanic. Being at student and all.. it'll have to wait.

 

Buy a cheap $3-$5 engine stethoscope from Harbor Freight Tools. Next time the noise is heard, pop the hood and pinpoint it with the stethoscope.

 

Or....use a long screwdriver w/ the tip to the distributor and your ear on the handle. I think its the distributor as well but unsure of why its happening like that. Maybe the sensors inside are bad. Honda only sells the distributor housing.

 

There's also a bearing inside the distributor. If the OP strongly feels the noise is coming from the distributor, it's not that hard to remove and disassemble for an inspection.

 

True...

 

A bad distributor bearing is often accompanied by red dust accumulation inside the distributor.

 

Hey everyone. Sorry I've been MIA since I've posted this. I haven't heard that noise coming from the car in a few days. I've honestly have not heard it since Friday (when I made the thread). It just disappeared. This is some strange stuff.

We didn't see any red dust accumulate from the distributor and we looked at it last week.

And yes, you guys are right. Disassembling the distributor is fairly easy but still nothing weird last time we checked it out. I will disassemble it next time if I hear it go off, but not before seeing where it's coming from in the first place. I don't know when the noise will go off, if it goes off any time soon.

 

Was your car possibly low on oil? Just because the noise stopped doesn't mean it will be gone forever...

 

I have used a ski pole for this. Keeps my head and clothes away from moving parts!

 

LOL I imagine that could work too. My dad and I have used a Broomstick aswell ;x

 

When I hear a screeching sound I check fan belt condition and tension.
Next I would check bearings (besides the distributor there is the AC clutch, idler pulley for AC belt, timing belt idler pulley).

 

What car are you talking about? What fan belt?

Honda's dont have fan belts; they are transverse mounted.

 

Excuse me Mr **** for the misspeak. Would you be happier if I said V-belt?
Would the OP be any wiser?
I didn't think it was as bad as calling a distributor a dizzy, but now I know better.

 

Well dizzy is a common term around here. But fan-belt will surely make people confused as there is no clutch fan on a Honda.