Hi,

I have recently developed a rather loud tapping noise from the front left part of my engine. It is higher up around the valve cover. It started out as just a intermittent issue but has got increasingly louder. After sitting for a period of time the issue is not there, after the engine has warmed up the noise returns. I do not believe its the #4 issue meerly because its in the front of the engine and the #4 cylinder is furthest back, also there is no oil from the tailpipes or blowby into the pan and such. Has anyone else had this similar issue. If so what was done to correct the issue. Ive had it to the dealer three times for the issue to no evail. They told me the fourth time in that they would have to break the car down and if they deemed it was what they believed to be (overrevving) then i would be charged the 750 break down fee and repairs. Any info is greatly appreciated thanks.

-Dave

 

Hi Dave,
there have been issues with other cylinders as well, not just #4. I had my cylinder #1 scored due to failed connecting rod. The only 'strange' thing in your case is that the noise comes and goes, as you describe it. In all the cases of fialed engines, the noise was there all the time. Do a search to see what symptoms have to be there to prove an overrev so that you can dispute Honda (unless of course you did overrev the engine....). My mechanic told me that in my case the failure was due to poor lubrication (it had the old oil bolts).

Hope it is not an engine failure....

Good luck,
Yiannis

 

So, did you do a "boo-boo" on a downshift?

 

Mine was a #3 cylinder failure , ended up costing me a new long-block !

 

Hello,
thanks for your prompt responses. the issue is only come and go as the engine is cold and warm. when the engine is first started after a cold night the issue isnt there. i would say its because the oil is heavier and has not thinned out yet. How did the new long block run you? I fear that is what will need to be done. Unfortunately I will not longer trust any honda dealer more then Joe schmoe with my car by the simiple fact that they tell me they need to completely dismantle the engine to see that, when they no damn well they can tell that from computer data, and secondly they can check the plugs and scope the cylinder. Also it took them three attempts previous as said to say that. Also I have not driven the car a whole lot since second gear went and is still gone in which they denied under warranty but thats another issue. The last time made a boo boo downshift was about 6 months ago and ive had a good 10k miles since then. In that fact Honda would still void that warranty based on my shifting abilitys ruling driver error. on that note anyone know where i can get a engine repair manual on the F20c?

 

For the manual, check here:
http://helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp?r=
This is what most of us have.

 

if the tapping noise is coming from the head, you might need a simple valve adjustment.

 

Well its most certainly coming from the head.... But. honda said they checked all the valves but how creditable are they. We will see im going to get a manual and bust into it. Got to get my hands dirty sometime