very concerned with my 4G TL. 60k miles on it. valves are in spec, timing belt, tensioner, was done. dont know why the idle is so loud. is this normal sounding?

 

Sounds like my 2013 SH-AWD. Assume that the cams are pitted. I was told by my Acura Master Technician that it's just audible, and that it doesn't affect performance. Just monitor your oil level, and ensure it's within the adequate range.

 

if pitting/damage to the cam has started, that's metal going into the oil that will damage bearing and other surfaces...

 

I haven't listened to the clip but if it is indeed the cams, need to be changed ASAP when you hear the noise as it's already started circulating metal particles in the engine. It does drain from the head directly into the sump with the metal particles the size of sand. Then the oil pump picks it up from the sump and goes through the filter first before being sent to bearings, cams and pistons. That pitting is very porous and will grow bigger as it scrapes off the metal over time. Even worse, if your oil filter bypasses oil, your main bearings are in trouble. You can audibly listen for the ticking as the cams should be half the revolutions to the crank, or use a stethoscope to probe.

 

Is this only on cold start or just regular idle? I am getting a similar noise in mine but its more audible on a cold start.