Hey all, I have a 2007 Civic EX with the R18 and recently it developed this horrid noise when starting. It doesn't really sound like a bad-belt kind of squeak, it's more of a throaty warbling coming from the left side of the engine bay, where all of the pulleys are. It slowly fades away when I turn the AC on, and completely ceases within a few minutes. I already know that my power steering pump is getting air, because the fluid bubbles. This sound is different, though. Much more pronounced. Does anybody know what this might be? Would low R134A cause this to happen, or would the whole condenser need replaced? Is that even the problem? Thank you in advance.

 

I would recommend using a mechanics stethoscope and listen to the idler and tensioner pulley brackets. I am willing to bet the bearings are going on one or both of them.

If they shred, they take out the bracket with it and that serpentine belt should be operating the water pump too. Without that belt, you can't drive the car without serious overheating issues. I'm assuming the R18 is similiar with timing chain and a serpentine belt driven water pump like the K20 is of the same era.

 

You are correct concerning the timing chain and water pump between the two engines. Now, if the sound fades away after about 30 seconds, does the sound still point to the idler and tensioner pulley bearings? I will check this at some point soon though, as it is a good suggestion.

 

Hard to say, heat will cause a change in friction and tolerances etc. Not sure if it would be enough to cause the sound to go quiet or quieter.

A Stethoscope will help you isolate where the sound is coming from even if it's not either pulley.

 

hello it sounds similar to the issue i am having, crunk car up and sounded rough so turned it off and back on,, well i was low oil so filled that up and it was still overheating.. also weird knocking noise coming from left side of the engine