cls1000

04 TSX. Just turned 120k. Automatic car. I just recently noticed that when I start it, I get a brief rattling sound for a 1-2 seconds. Similar to what valve clatter would sound like. Or stones laying in the converter shield. (to give you an example)

Anyway, after a quick search on the subject, seems as though it just might be the cam chain tensioner? I figured I'd run it by you guys first and see what you thought. I definitely want to fix it before anything major happens to it. After getting the front and back repainted and having the dent wizard go over it, the car looks like it has 5k miles on it, not 120k; So I plan on keeping it for awhile.


ETA: What about the valves? I forgot to ask that in my initial post. Is there a recommended valve adjustment based on mileage for these cars? I'm going to purchase a service manual for it so I can start doing some work on this thing. I have no info really on maintenance at all. I bought the car from the orig. owner at around 80k. I've put in new spark plugs. Replaced the crank seal (car was leaking oil like no tomorrow. All is good now) and the drivers side door lock actuator. All I've done.

cls1000

Wow. My brain isn't working today. I also wanted to ask about the idle. It's usually around the 500-750 range. Is this normal for these engines? Seems on the low side to me. And its kind of a rough idle as well. Where just tapping the gas to bring it up a smidge cleans it all right up.

Man, I really need a service manual.

PACman

Recommended valve adjustment is at 110K miles; spark plug replacement is also done at that time, but if you did it already, then forgo it. The valve job costs about $200 at the dealer. Cold engine work, so leave the car there.

After warm up, normal idle is ~750-800rpm.

cls1000

Thanks for the response. So I know I definitely need to do a valve adjustment then. Cool.

Naaaa. I would never take anything back to the dealer. Even if I have something under warranty, I prefer to do stuff myself. Only way to know its done, and done right.

nbtx

Does it rattle only on a cold start or also when hot?

Fox137

I have the same year TSX and also had a rattle @ around 135k miles.. rattled everytime i started her up and shut her down... long story short, I couldn't figure it out.. so finally took it to dealer and diagnosed it to be the converter heat shield was loose due to a loose bolt.... replaced bolt, and they only charged me $15!

fujiteam

I have a 2005 with 157K, automatic. I have noticed a rattle on start up, but it is only while the key is in 3. It happens every time I turn the car on. The rattle only lasts as long as the engine has started and I have the key in 3. I release as soon as it fires, but maybe not quick enough?

I can't repeat the issue in any other way. I jumped on the car and nothing seems loose. A few months ago my dad pointed out a slightly off sound in the engine at idle. If you get close to the engine with the wood open it sounds almost like one valve is a bit off.

What is the cheapest way to figure out the issue?