mxt_77

Or you can use the shadetree mechanic's version of an automotive stethoscope... just get a big flathead screwdriver, put the tip to the engine (or whatever you want to listen to), and put the handle in the cup of your ear. It'll transmit the sound well enough to narrow down where it's coming from. That's how I tracked down my autotensioner problem. Just be careful putting your head that close to the engine while it's running. And make sure you aren't wearing a necklace, tie, or other loose fitting clothing that could get caught in the belts.

doorman

I just noticed this on my car. I just switched to the Veilside exhaust. My sound does not depend on rpm and is not a steady rythm. I't sounds like its coming from the area where my exhaust connects to the cat. I can't here anything in the engine bay. It's loud when you intially start the car and quiets down after a few seconds. I think it has to do with the exhaust heating up. I hear it when I shut the car off for a few seconds. I was worried that it was my valves but I don't hear anything in the engine bay while the engine is running.

Scot

my mechanic has it narrowed down to a rod bearing in the #1 cylnder...which after checking with some guy who track their car a fair amount, that is common due to oil starvation...... so...hopefully it is about $300-$500 to fix it and i am good again.

I may get a baffled oil pan, which is allowed in the Honda Challenge (i checked the rules).

bigpurp

I just noticed this EXACT noise in mine...except that I just had a new head and tensioner installed.

mxt, how did you resolve your issue?

mxt_77

I just replaced the cam-chain tensioner. Voila, the sound was gone. However, I'm not confident that this fixed all of my problems. I'm still down on power from where I feel I should be. There may be other more sinister forces at work.