thorpedo

Hey folks, my first post so bear with me. Wondering if this flapping/tapping noise is normal. Happens only between 3000 and 4000 RPM. Hot or cold doesn't matter. It's hard to hear, kindof the noise behind the noise. I can only describe it as a subtle flapping sound.

I've searched the forums and YouTube. Doesn't sound like valves, fuel injectors, bad tensioner, or deeper knocking sound from other posts. Doesn't go away when warm.

Bought the TL about 30 days ago and didn't notice the sound but that could be that I'm only now learning the nuances of the car. 73k miles.

Here's a video of the engine sound revving up to about 4k:
Thanks everyone!

thorpedo

Quick update: I just checked the oil and it was over 1 quart low! I've put 1000 miles on the car, so quick math and that's 1qt / 1000 miles!? I guess I got one of the infamous unlucky oil burners. I added 1 qt and drove it around, same noise.

Here's a video from inside the car. You'll have to turn up the volume but should be able to hear it, especially towards the end of the video.

Rancher2005

It does sound unique, but I don't have any ideas at the moment.

JM2010 SH-AWD

Sounds like it could be an exhaust leak somewhere close to the engine. It is definitely different sounding than my or any other TL 3.7 I've heard. The inside sound clip definitely sounds a lot louder (with more rumble) than my car. Have you checked for an exhaust leak? Any chance a previous owner installed an aftermarket exhaust component? That's the only thing that comes to mind.

thorpedo

thorpedo

Just a quick follow-up. Issue ended up being worn down cam lobes and destroyed rocker arms. Caused scoring in the cylinder. Theory is that previous owner ran into the infamous oil consumption issue and ran it low.

Got a replacement used engine, and this one has a cylinder "abnormality" too. $1300 just to diagnose... I love this car but concerned about the long term reliability of our engines.

g1ray2001

What shop or dealer worked on your car in Columbus? ......I have long suspected some valvetrain issues with my 14 SHAWD MT

thorpedo

Sweet - another TL lover in Cbus! PM me and we can connect on car stuff.

Lindsay Acura did the work on the original engine. Cam shaft and rocker arm replacement. They were great to work with. But they failed to inspect the other cam shaft which also happened to be bad along with a mangled cylinder. So that first $1,300 repair was for nothing. Fix was to rebuild or replace engine to the tune of $7,500.

I originally bought the car from a Ford dealer (Germain Ford of Beavercreek) and they took it back and replaced the engine at no cost. But now having issues with _that_ engine, cylinder 4, 5, 6 misfires. Took it to Acura Columbus who found missing parts and loose bolts. Germain has offered to do the work again but won't pay Acura Columbus to do it. I'd much rather an Acura dealer take care of this.