2011 TSX Wagon (2.4L I-4). 98k Miles. In the last 7 months she has had VTC actuator replaces, new timing chain, valve adjustment, spark plug replacement. After spark plug adjustment noticed subtle ticking when starting to accelerate. No ticking at idle. No fuel consumption or performance issues. Is not consuming oil.

Curious if it could be a bad or loud fuel injector(s). Maybe bad coil pack.

Welcome to thoughts and suggestions. :-)

What type of fuel are you using?

At only 98k miles, was timing chain replacement necessary?

Always use top tier premium gas (BP, Shell, etc.)

I was suspicious of whether the timing chain replacement was needed or not, but the (Acura dealership) tech showed me the tensioner and it was time.

Thank you for the quick reply. My 12 wagon has 119k miles and hasnt needed any of the replacements you quoted - thus I was curious

I think your car is pinging and has it been hot at your location this summer? What available octane in your area? Also try using octane booster it should help and I would recommend “Lucas octane booster” where I’m at we only have 91 premium

Thanks for the suggestion! It was a very hot summer in Illinois!! We have 93 octane available pretty much everywhere. I’ll see if the octane booster helps.

Update: trusted mechanic gave it a listen with a stethoscope. He believes it is not a problem with the engine/block. He had two guesses. 1. Could be the serpentine belt tensioner going bad. 2. The intake valve/flap is making the noise.

He is going to take an in depth look next week. I’ll keep y’all posted.

Mechanic found the sound coming from the back of the oil pan. Probably coming from pistons 1 and/or 2. Before cracking the engine open, did an oil change. Upped weight from 0W-20 to 5W-30. The sound seems to be slightly muted, but still present.

Planning on driving until next oil change, will re-evaluate then.