In the past I've alway driven with the radio on so I could never hear it...but with the radio off there is a distinct background fluttering noise coming from the engine. It is pretty much constant at whatever rpm and speed. This noise is most noticable at lower rpms since the engine/exhaust noise is not as loud. The intensity of the fluttering doesn't change too much as I accelerate. Idling in neutral, you really don't hear the noise...however once I step on the gas even a little bit you can hear the fluttering noise, which makes me think it could be coming from the engine.

I have a MY02 with 19k miles...is it possible that I may need a valve adjustment...would valves out of alignment make a fluttering noise? One last note, I am using mobil 1 synthetic and it has been about 2k since my last oil change.

Thanks for your help.

 

The valve train is very noisy but I don't know if I'd classify it as a flutter. Also, this motor does make a lot of other interesting noises that are perfectly normal.

Could you be more specific on the noise you are hearing?

 

I get this noise too. I also have a MY02 with 25,xxx miles. I am running Mobil 1 as well. I definitely know what you are talking about when you say fluttering noise from the engine area. Not sure if its a valvetrain noise. I always dismissed it as being normal. It'll be interesting to see what people here come up with.

 

I experiece the same thing, unfortuntly mine isnt all the time, it randomly cuts on and off. usually sits around 3k rpms and sounds as if its coming from the passenger side of the car. i just pass it off as normal, hopefully nothings wrong.

chad

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Make Every Decision, Like It Was Your Last !!!

 

Damn, that sounds a lot like what I was describing in another thread. I only notice it if I'm driving with the top down and there's a building or hedge on the passenger side reflecting the sound back at me. It's most obvious around 3k rpms in 2nd gear because engine/wind noise don't cover it up. My car is a 2002 with 9300 miles, and the sound has been there since it was new.

 

I drove to work today and was listening to the sound a little closer and it looks like it only flutters after 3k rpm. So it is consistent with everyone else. It is hard to describe the sound...the only example I can think of is maybe a fan cutting through the air and how it produces a fluttering sound.

The sound is very different then the other engine sounds and very faint in the background therefore I have to concentrate to hear it.

 

I would say that what you're hearing is normal.

 

If you're concerned, I can take a look at it or you could stop by Taco Tuesday in Redmond tonight and I'm sure someone there (RT, jerrypeterson, Tedster, etc.) will be happy to take a look at it.

 

I will try to make it but I've been a slave here at work lately.

 

You could be hearing the sound of the exhaust pulses going through the exhaust manifold, which is located on the passenger side of the engine bay.