I've done some searching and it seems a bit spotty I managed to find a couple YouTube videos that fit the bill but that's about it. Anyways my cars had this clanking sound when I started it from long, cold sits such as overnight or when I was at work and after about 5 mins it would go away. It's been doing this since October and it's seen 2 dealers and they can't figure it out and my mechanic said possible lifter but he's not an Acura expert. He recommended me to the dealer he sends people to but it's a far annoying drive but I sucked it up and went anyways the tech heard it and said it's probably the timing belt tensioner, he noted that's what it sounded like on his MDX. Has anyone else ever had this issue happen on either?

 

The issue the MDX had was that the waterpump was mounted slightly crooked and would cause the belt to make noise against the tensioner. I have the issue on my MDX and it can be annoying.

My accessory belt tensioner was replaced on my 3G TL and that cured the noise for a few thousand miles until it came back. I'd have the mechanic take off the accessory belt first and make sure it's not the timing belt tensioner.

Also someone mentioned that a purge canister or something EVAP related can cause the noise and the echo makes it seem like the belts.

 

I'm leaving it at the dealership Wednesday night so they can look at it Thursday and praying that whatever it is gets covered under my warranty. Deep thoughts have me wondering if it's something else seeing that I have no clue if the previous owner ever checked the oil between changes and just let it run low.

 

i bet it sounds like this

if it does it the tensioner or water pump

 

Yup that's it! squealing and all. warranty coverage I'm hoping.

 

My 07 TL had a similar issue, as I recall so did some MDXs. The mounting surface for one of the pulleys wasn't plumb, which caused the timing belt to rub against the tensioner. The car only made the noise on cold start, and I mean air temp below 40. After a few miles when the block warmed up a little the noise would stop. The fix was a shim for the pulley mounting surface, a new timing belt kit, and for some VINs, mine included, a new water pump. There's a TSB for it and the dealer repaired mine at no charge, but the car was still under warranty. I think the TSB title is Chirp From Timing Belt Area.

I don't know that the 4G has a similar issue.

 

i've got the same problem. only does it when it's cold outside though. Going to take it to the dealership and have them look at it

 

Mines there right now it was too warm today for them to get it going so they gotta keep it another day. The tech told me it can be a big problem if left untreated, so I'd make an appointment ASAP. Also have you noticed a decrease in proformance since it started doing that?

 

I haven't felt any performance issues with it. But then again it's been happening off and on for about 6 months now.

it's been way too warm here in MA lately so I haven't been able to replicate it easily. Although next week is supposed to be cold so it should be able to replicate it

 

That's what happened to me. First Acura in Seekonk is doing the repair, the tensioner is covered but they asked if I wanted to do the water pump, timing belt and everything else early and save about $600 in the long run so I did, why not?

 

I brought it to my dealership in auburn and they were able to replicate it over the summer, but i bought it from a honda dealership so i brought it over to them with the findings of the acura dealership and they said that they had to replicate it themselves.

How many miles do you have on your TL?

 

62k, I just got it back today the tensioner was covered under warranty so I decided to have the water pump and belts changed the whole shibang cost about $750 as opposed to about $1200 further down the road.

 

Mine just hit 80k, no problems other than the noise from the belt tensioner.

 

Only other problem I has was the airbag light going on and off randomly because it got screwed up when I had my radio replaced. I enjoy my 92 mile commute in her much more than I did with my Si lol.

 

I get a very similar noise, but at a much much much quieter level. My car's a 2012 FWD at 85k miles. It only happens for a few seconds when I turn the car on. Maybe it's the begining of the issue, a few more thousand and I'll be hearing the full blown noise.

 

Mine started the same back in October but a November "heat" wave quieted it down significantly but December rolled in with teen temperatures and it got loud quick, even got to the point of squealing a week before my appointment. I'd have them check it out and tell them you suspect it's the timing belt tensioner and schedule a repair, I found a night drop off is best so the car can sit for a long period of time so the noise is easier to hear.

If you have a warranty you're good it's covered. Also I'll give one last piece of good advice; have them change the belt and water pump, and drive belt while they're at it especially being at 85K you're close enough to do it (mines at 63K).

 

Never had that problem.

It's a nice car, but after 2 hours of driving i start to get sore. i try to stop every hour or so and take a break but overall the miles on the highway just fly by