2003AcuraMDX

Hi everyone. I have a 2003 Acura MDX with 240,000 miles. This thing is a champ, never had any major problems until (maybe) now. About 600 miles ago the car started making a rattling right around 2k rpm but no other indications. I drove the car like this for about 300 miles, and the car has since developed a knocking/ticking noise right around the bearing on the left side of the engine (standing at the front of the car facing towards the rear). I took the car to midas, they took off that bearing and pulley and it was still making this noise, so it isn't the bearing. They told me that, without opening the motor up, that it was the timing belt or water pump, but both would need to be replaced to be sure (their words) Total bill is $1100.

I drove the car with this ticking noise for 300 miles until I figured I should probably not do that anymore. There are no performance problems with the car at all, drives just as it should other than this noise.

One thing I did think about- I have been putting the middle level octane gasoline in my car for the past 3 or 4 fill ups because it slipped my mind that it took premium, but all other tanks besides these were with premium. Any way this noise could be associated with this?

My final question, would this car be safe to drive 140 miles back to my home city, or should I get it towed?

acurarsx04

Maybe your valves may need adjustment. Not a cheap fix and something you could probably do yourself.

2003AcuraMDX

I forgot to mention, it does not do the noise when you turn it on after it has been sitting (cold start). Only after it has been driven for a couple minutes the noise happens.

db22

Are you sure you put mid-grade into it? It sounds like you put diesel into it!