Hoping someone can help....yesterday I started my car to drive home from work, let it warm up until full operating temp, jumped on the freeway for about 15min, and then exited. After I exited and was driving maybe 35-40, when I noticed a tapping, ticking, flapping kind of sound. I drove it home, keeping around 30 mph and dont no what the hell caused this. The sound came outta no where. Started it up again today and the sound is still there. Funny thing is that it fluctuates, being louder sometimes then others. The sound is also rev dependent, as it speeds up as I rev. Oil levels are all good and car isnt smoking at all. Can really pin point exactly where the sound is coming from....sounds like its coming from the head...but then again it sounds like it could be coming from the intake manny or possibly something under the manifold.....anybody got any ideas for me????

 

Timing chain tensioner is likely the problem, done like 15 of them

 

costly to repair??? and damage to components if i drove it like 10-15miles after i heard the noise?? thanks in advance for your help.

 

what about the sticker hitting the fan?

 

Tensioner is like 130 bucks, easy replacement. I'm sure you've done no damage, just don't let it go for months.

 

you dont think i have the infamous failed #4 cylinder do ya??

 

I'd have to hear it for myself...

#4 cyl failure will be heard in the drivers seat as a loud valve tap.

Tensioner will be heard at the front of the head by the VTEC valve, but is like 3 times the speed of a valve tap, like a ratcheting noise.

 

Can you explain how the timing chain tensioner could be the cause of this problem...? I am not doubting you but I think I may have the same problem with my S2k and want to make sure I am on the right track with this before I spend the money on the part....
At first I thought my valves just might need adjusting so a buddy and myself adjusted the valves but the sound soon came back. Like the other guy mentioned the noise is not always there... it comes and goes. any help would be appreciated...

 

If you want facts, I'd have to hear it for myself.

 

I wasnt necessarily asking specifically in regards to my car, but more in general. What is causing the ticking noise if the tensioner is bad ??? I guess to me it seems like there would be other symptoms if the tensioner was bad... would the timing on the engine be off? Anyway, just trying to get some more info on the topic....any advice would be appreciated.