ITRCA

Last weekend at the autocross, my car starts making a slight knocking/ticking noise as soon as I get it parked in grid- literally 5 minutes before my first run. At first I thought it may be misfiring but it doesn't quite show the symtoms (the RPM's are stready). I haven't yet got a CEL either.
I really don't have a good way to describe the sound. It basically sounds similar to the noisy valvetrain our cars have but louder. Also, it increases with the speed of the engine. The sound is definately on the driver's side of the engine, around the crank pulley/power steering pump area.

The vtec is non-operational. It's engaged a few times at 6k like normal, but for the most part it's not working 90% of time.

Background:

My '97 is 100% stock with 82k and has never had any mods and has never had any engine work performed. I'll soon be replacing the original timing belt, water pump, and tensioner.

I've spoke with a few folks and I've been told it may be the oil pump going out. It's looking like it may be a good idea to go ahead with the belt change and do the oil pump while everything's apart. Apparently there are splines/gears on the pump that wear out and this may be attributed to the vtec problem.


Any insight, experiences, ideas?

thanks!

-Matt (stressing down in NC)

How long has it been since the last valve adjustment? If they're a little loose, that could give you the ticking.

mmmmm 100% Stock '97

Doespike wrote:How long has it been since the last valve adjustment? If they're a little loose, that could give you the ticking.

mmmmm 100% Stock '97

It's not the valves. I just did an adjustment about 4 weeks ago.

I'm thinking/hoping that it's an oil pump issue.

You still have the stock belt/oil pump after 10 years? You are way overdue my friend. I'd do that immediately and see how things are after that.

you need to get that belt changed my friend. 10 years old, I would hate to see that thing snap on you...as its not a pretty sight.

your vtec isnt working, with no CEL, I would probably also tell you that your oil pump is about shot.

timing belt, water pump, tensioner, and oil pump would be my choice of components to change. I think I would drive my caR as little as possible until that gets changed. It's probably just a ticking bomb...

junkyard racer wrote:you need to get that belt changed my friend. 10 years old, I would hate to see that thing snap on you...as its not a pretty sight.

your vtec isnt working, with no CEL, I would probably also tell you that your oil pump is about shot.

timing belt, water pump, tensioner, and oil pump would be my choice of components to change. I think I would drive my caR as little as possible until that gets changed. It's probably just a ticking bomb...

x2, its not only the mileage but I think honda recommend changing it each5 years or 60 000 mile wich ever come first.

It could use a valve adjustment. I had the valves adjusted at the local Acura Dealer on my 97 and when I picked it up it was louder than normal. Ticking sound. I brought it back and they readjusted it. They said the tech didn't wait for the engine to cool off completely before adjusting them.

V tec is non-operational?

meaning you might need some more oil?