JaneDoeski

This is my first post so I hope I am in the right place - I have a 2003 API that is suffering from a knocking noise and I can’t figure out the issue. Engine will knock once loudly when it is initially started, then won’t knock when idling. As soon as you start to rev the engine you hear the knock. It’s a consistent, rattle. Engine sounds fine when idling though. Knock seems to get louder the more you rev it as well. Maybe a bearing? TCT? Any suggestions would be great.

Kyle

First thing would be to try and run it with the accessory belt off.

Obvious but....oil topped off?

TCT is usually the main culprit.....But not a knock.

Get some videos, some smarter people will be able to tell you exactly what it is most likely.

Do you have a general idea of where the sound is coming from in the bay? Front of motor? Back of motor?

RolanTHUNDER

Yeah send a video of the noise please. We'll try to help you. Check oil level like Kyle said and try with the accessory belt off. TCT would exhibit a constant "clangy" noise from what I've read/heard around here.

JaneDoeski

Here is a link is an old video I took of the noise. This was recorded a day after the noise initially occurred. I started the car a few days ago and after 5 minutes of idling there is no knock when idling. The recorded video is a cold start.


thanks for the help guys, I do appreciate it.

windhund116

Sounds like piston slap. Esp, since it goes away (or changes pitch), when the engine warms up.

JaneDoeski

To give you guys more info, I bought the car under the impression from the seller that it had an overheating issue. When inspecting it, I let it idle for 15 minutes with the A/C on. Radiator fans didn’t turn and there was no smoke. This led me to believe the heating issue was radiator related. I get the car home and a day later I cold start it and it blows white smoke. After 5 min of idling, little to no smoke. I take the car out for a quick ride and 5 minutes in I start to hear that knocking sound. Oil levels were good when I bought it, oil looked clean. Coolant was topped off, I did notice a little bit of the coolant on the bottom of the cap turning jelly-like. Maybe the seller poured head gasket sealer in? It is burning coolant for sure, it still will blow white smoke and smells sweet. The smoke is a whole new concern, my main focus is on the knock.

windhund116

I'd run a coolant system pressure leak test.

fatjoe10

That's a rod knock.

JaneDoeski

What do you guys think about a JDM swap at this point? I’m finding engines with 50k miles for $4kish. Seems like it might be more advantageous to swap it out and try to part out the existing engine. Can anyone attest to the F20C JDM engine? Worth it? Thanks again guys

Kyle

Oh shit, yeah, that motor is toast.


Honestly whatever good engine you can find at a good price will do in my opinion. Not sure if a JDM engine is a direct swap or not, but undoubtedly that info will be on here.

At this point 4k for a 50k mile motor is a good price. Maybe you can even consider running an F22