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Hey guys, several weeks ago I made a post about a knocking/ticking sound coming from my engine. I was told that I needed to get my valves adjusted. Without much experience in working on cars nor having the required tools, I decided to go to a local Acura dealership to get it fixed. I paid an ass-load of money hoping that it would fix the issue. Three days later, I finally received my car back only to hear the knocking sound again, perhaps even a bit louder now.
At a cold start, I can't seem to hear it. However, when the car is at its operating temperature, I can hear the knocking sound clearly from outside the car and even inside the car as well. I tried searching for an answer but couldn't seem to find one that was similar to my case, leading me to ask those who have more expertise in cars than I do. Is the knocking/ticking noise normal even after a valve adjustment or no? I was told that it was normal during cold starts but should disappear once the car warms up on a Honda forum, but I would still appreciate your help. Thanks!
P.S. I plan on calling Acura on Monday to see what's up cause I paid about $850 for this...
** Attached below is a recording of the sound I was hearing. This was prior to my valve adjustment, but it still makes the same sound. The only difference is it is louder and also ticks/knocks faster in my opinion. Will record and upload as soon as possible. Thanks!
Did you bring the car in requesting they repair the 'ticking' engine noise or did you just request that they perform a valve adjustment? Too often people will come in believing they know what the problem is and request a specific service. The shop will normally just go ahead and do what the customer wants without knowing why the customer is requesting the service.
Did you bring the car in requesting they repair the 'ticking' engine noise or did you just request that they perform a valve adjustment? Too often people will come in believing they know what the problem is and request a specific service. The shop will normally just go ahead and do what the customer wants without knowing why the customer is requesting the service.
@Crashmaster, I requested a valve adjustment. I was certain that this was the source to the engine ticking noise after researching and asking on the forums as well, but I guess I should've been more detailed as to why I was requesting a valve adjustment. If the source of the ticking isn't because of the valves, what would be your next best guess?
Originally Posted by Beak14
That "knock" sounds like a tensioner to me.
@Beak14, I recently got my tensioners replaced, unless they also messed that up too..
Does the ticking sound increase with RPM?
Have you tried to go around with a stethoscope (Harbor Freight $3.99) looking for the noise?
What oil are you using? I would try a can of STP or something else thick to see if that changes the ticking noise.
OP, have you run the engine with the drive belt removed to see if the noise persists?
@nfnsquared, I haven't because I figured the new belt tensioners and belt wouldn't be an issue. Will have to check. If it isn't because of the tensioner/belt, then I'll actually start to worry.
Originally Posted by Crashmaster
I would do the below.
Does the ticking sound increase with RPM?
Have you tried to go around with a stethoscope (Harbor Freight $3.99) looking for the noise?
What oil are you using? I would try a can of STP or something else thick to see if that changes the ticking noise.
@Crashmaster, I don't notice the sound at higher RPMs. It seems like the ticking noise gets drowned out by the engine at higher revs. I'm currently using Mobil Grade 1 oil, fully synthetic. Prior to this, the previous owner(s) have used only semi-synthetic oil whenever they did their oil changes. If the sound were to originate from the rear of the engine (closest to the firewall) what would that indicate?
850 to do a valve. Adjustment? Ouch I think they raked you over the coals. I did it on my car my self, took me about 3 hours total, it's really all pure labor, never replaced any gaskets.
Im on my cell so unable to see the video clip, but the valves won't fix knocking imo. When you fire the car up, from cold, does it knock the worst? if it knocked then clears up its an internal failure probably, like crankshaft mains or the piston pins. but if it doesn't then it's something else for sure.
I love tough car problems. Toward the back of the engine could be a bent or lose flex plate? Perhaps a cracked exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe? A bad knock sensor would also cause ticking sound, but that would set a check engine code and you didn't say anything about a CEL light.
I love tough car problems. Toward the back of the engine could be a bent or lose flex plate? Perhaps a cracked exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe? A bad knock sensor would also cause ticking sound, but that would set a check engine code and you didn't say anything about a CEL light.
@crashmaster, there isn't a CEL, and the exhaust manifold was in good shape the last time i checked. Do you think switching to full synthetic oil could've somehow caused this?
850 to do a valve. Adjustment? Ouch I think they raked you over the coals. I did it on my car my self, took me about 3 hours total, it's really all pure labor, never replaced any gaskets.
Im on my cell so unable to see the video clip, but the valves won't fix knocking imo. When you fire the car up, from cold, does it knock the worst? if it knocked then clears up its an internal failure probably, like crankshaft mains or the piston pins. but if it doesn't then it's something else for sure.
@Octanee I'm unable to hear the ticking noise when firing up for the first time of the day
I would purchase a stethoscope at Harbor Freight for $3.99 and start a search for where the ticking noise is loudest. We are all just guessing at this point. We need you to help pinpoint better where the noise is coming from. Just put on the stethoscope and start poking around the engine until you find the place where the ticking is loudest.
x2 on the stethoscope. they come with a metal tip to put on stuff but if you also take it off and just use the tube you can hear the sounds and narrow the area down.
x2 on the stethoscope. they come with a metal tip to put on stuff but if you also take it off and just use the tube you can hear the sounds and narrow the area down.
Agreed, often times the "Mechanic's Stethoscope" is ineffectual when used to find noises like this. Personally I'm a fan of the good old fashioned "Red-Neck Stethoscope", basically a short length of garden hose, one end to your ear, the other end to be moved around in the engine bay until the source of the noise is discovered.
I would purchase a stethoscope at Harbor Freight for $3.99 and start a search for where the ticking noise is loudest. We are all just guessing at this point. We need you to help pinpoint better where the noise is coming from. Just put on the stethoscope and start poking around the engine until you find the place where the ticking is loudest.
@Crashmaster, will do. Just placed an order and will update once the stethoscope comes in.
Originally Posted by Octanee
x2 on the stethoscope. they come with a metal tip to put on stuff but if you also take it off and just use the tube you can hear the sounds and narrow the area down.
@Octanee, So remove the metal tip and just use the tubing to get a better idea of where exactly the sound is coming from?
Originally Posted by horseshoez
Agreed, often times the "Mechanic's Stethoscope" is ineffectual when used to find noises like this. Personally I'm a fan of the good old fashioned "Red-Neck Stethoscope", basically a short length of garden hose, one end to your ear, the other end to be moved around in the engine bay until the source of the noise is discovered.
@horseshoez, lol unfortunately I already placed the order and don't have a spare garden hose lying around
@Crashmaster, @Octanee, & @horseshoez
Just received the stethoscope earlier today but was unable to use it until not too long ago. I wasn't able to 100% pinpoint where the knocking/ticking is originating from but I am aware of the general area. It's currently too dark outside so I wasn't able to maneuver too well around the engine bay, so will try again in the morning or if requested. I took two pictures to give a general idea of where the knocking sound is coming from. Any suggestions would be great at this point, thanks!
This is the zoomed in picture of where the sound is most easily heard. This is to give a better idea of where the sound is originating from, where the tip of the stethoscope meets with the engine.
I have to assume that the Acura tech performed the valve adjustment correctly without noticing anything obvious. So in the area you pictured, what could cause the ticking sound? My best guess would be a broken valve spring. My suggestion would be, is to return to the Acura dealership and allow them to repair it. They should give you some consideration on a further repair because you were just in last month.
@rockstar143, no noticeable loss in power if at all. Driving still seems to be smooth.
Originally Posted by Crashmaster
I have to assume that the Acura tech performed the valve adjustment correctly without noticing anything obvious. So in the area you pictured, what could cause the ticking sound? My best guess would be a broken valve spring. My suggestion would be, is to return to the Acura dealership and allow them to repair it. They should give you some consideration on a further repair because you were just in last month.
@Crashmaster, I have an appointment for an engine diagnosis tomorrow at the same dealership, hopefully they'll be able to tell me what's wrong. Thanks for all the help, I will keep you all posted if the dealership comes out with anything.
I have to assume that the Acura tech performed the valve adjustment correctly without noticing anything obvious. So in the area you pictured, what could cause the ticking sound? My best guess would be a broken valve spring. My suggestion would be, is to return to the Acura dealership and allow them to repair it. They should give you some consideration on a further repair because you were just in last month.
Went to the dealership today and got the engine diagnosis done today. Was told by the technician that there is no abnormality coming from my engine. They stated that the noise was due to my powertrain. Funny thing is on the invoice they stated that they couldn't duplicate the sound. Attached below is my invoice from today (minus my personal information of course). What do you guys think? I'm thinking about taking it to another dealership or maybe my father's personal mechanic.
If they put in writing that it's normal...and they accept liability for any future issues that can be traced back to a valve adjustment...I'd let it ride.
I made myself crazy listening for sounds.
Have you noticed any problem with the transmission?
Have you had the transmission serviced, and if so when? And who did it? Are you sure the correct fluid was used? It often is not.
Many quickie oil change shops will use a generic ATF fluid with an additive that allegedly is the same as the Honda spec fluid. It isn't and will eventually break down after time. Could you be one of these?
Have you noticed any problem with the transmission?
Have you had the transmission serviced, and if so when? And who did it? Are you sure the correct fluid was used? It often is not.
Many quickie oil change shops will use a generic ATF fluid with an additive that allegedly is the same as the Honda spec fluid. It isn't and will eventually break down after time. Could you be one of these?
@Crashmaster, The only issue I have with the transmission is it is sometimes difficult to put the car in 1st gear. Instead, I just shift to second then to first and it engages 1st gear with no problem. I haven't had my transmission serviced yet because I was told that it was in good shape. I was planning on getting my transmission fluid done sometime later in the month.
For my most recent oil change, I went to Mobil and received Mobil grade 1 full synthetic oil. Honestly can't say I didn't start hearing this until I switched from semi-synthetic to full synthetic, but I doubt that would be the underlying issue.
Originally Posted by nfnsquared
Two questions for the service manager:
1. If they CND, then how could they say it's from the power train?
2. If it's from the power train, how come you can hear it while in park or neutral?
Why didn't you play the sound clip for them? Is the sound still there?
@nfnsquared, Since the sound is noticeable, I expected Acura technicians to be able to notice a ticking sound coming from the vehicle that would otherwise be out of the ordinary from other Acura engines.
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I've noticed no loss in power or any major issues with my driving experience. Sound does not seem to fluctuate with the amount of load I put on the engine, but that could just be other noises that overtake the knocking noise..
Unfortunately I didn't have time yesterday or today to check for a loose spark plug due to work. I will check on them tomorrow since it is my off day and will keep you posted. Thanks so much!
Checked and tightened all spark plugs today.. everything checked out okay. If it's any new information, I started smelling a burning plastic smell coming from under the hood, not sure that it means that much though..
I plan on taking the car for another engine diagnostics at a certified Honda dealership that I have worked with in the past (very reliable and honest people) to get a second opinion.
If a valve were to be broken, I wonder why the service technicians didn't bring anything up. They were so good at adding on to my "estimated bill" to fix my car in the past.
I plan on calling Acura on Monday to see what's up cause I paid about $850 for this...!
That's why they're called STEALERSHIPS! A valve adjustment should cost less than ½ of that.
Since you're in the NY/NJ area, you better call and go see Paul, our star master mechanic in Clifton, NJ 201-562-8576, about 20 minutes over the GWB. He'll tell you what's really wrong and fix it at a decent price. He's the only mechanic allowed to touch my car.
And BTW, Paragon Acura has one of the lowest ratings of all Acura dealers in the country! A close second to Brooklyn Acura, another group of con artist scum bags and theeee lowest rated Acura dealer in the country!
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That's why they're called STEALERSHIPS! A valve adjustment should cost less than ½ of that.
Since you're in the NY/NJ area, you better call and go see Paul, our star master mechanic in Clifton, NJ 201-562-8576, about 20 minutes over the GWB. He'll tell you what's really wrong and fix it at a decent price. He's the only mechanic allowed to touch my car.
And BTW, Paragon Acura has one of the lowest ratings of all Acura dealers in the country! A close second to Brooklyn Acura, another group of con artist scum bags and theeee lowest rated Acura dealer in the country!
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@DMZ, yeah I was aware that they had a terrible rating but was hoping their employees changed because the last review I read was several years old. I was also in need of a mechanic at the time and figured I might as well give it as hot. First experience paying them for a service and it was terrible.
Paul in Clifton, NY? I'll give him a call and hopefully schedule something. Thanks
Dude,,,never take your car to paragon acura or paragon anything whatsoever. Just hearing their name makes my blood pressure rise. Their sales people are good in getting you into the door and buying a car but once its time for service.
Holy shit, the run around you will get makes you want to drive a bulldozer through their facility. A Big Bulldozer !
I've had good service from Ralleye Acura... I believe they're in Roslyn LI
Dude,,,never take your car to paragon acura or paragon anything whatsoever. Just hearing their name makes my blood pressure rise. Their sales people are good in getting you into the door and buying a car but once its time for service.
Holy shit, the run around you will get makes you want to drive a bulldozer through their facility. A Big Bulldozer !
I've had good service from Ralleye Acura... I believe they're in Roslyn LI
so simple, yet overlooked 
....keep it coming...
