just recently i have started to hear a ticking noise coming from my motor. it is a very qucik tick, tick, tick, tick. my car seems to be running fine. what might be the problem? how much work and cash will it take to fix?

 

If your Honda or Acura has some age to it, then its normal to hear some ticking. If you haven't done a valve adjustment for a while now, then having them adjusted might help solve the problem. Do the adjustment yourself or if its too much trouble for you then bring it in and have a professional do it. It should be around $70.

 

What's the valve adjustment for????

 

The tick-tick-tick-tick noise could also be the timing belt. If it's loose it will make that sound from slapping around near the tensioner pulley I believe. First check to see if the timing belt is loose. Then you could do a valve adjustment just to make sure its in spec.

A valve adjustment is to keep the cam to follower distance within spec - so there isn't too large a gap that the intake and exhaust valves will be slapping against the cam and so there isn't no gap at all which won't allow oil to get between the parts. In short its to help keep the operation of the valves within spec so they don't wear prematurely or get damaged from neglect. On non-VTEC engines it's really easy to do just need the manual, a wrench, a socket and rachet, and a feeler gauge. will take less than one hour to do. VTEC i hear is a little more difficult as you really need a special tool.


[Modified by Vracer111, 6:45 AM 7/24/2001]

 

You might laugh... but out of the blue I started hearing ticking from my car (with the window rolled down). Turns out that there was a stone stuck between the grooves of my tire.

And with respect to the valve adjustment, try the search, it's been well discussed this past month. I just did my first one a week ago without specials tools. It took my 2 hrs the first time, and then 45 minutes the second time (I made a boo boo the first time around.)