Its a kinda deep clacking noise and seems like its coming from under the intake. It goes away after awhile, and seemingly, after shutting it off and starting it back up. I just started it up, drove a very short distance and shut it off. When I started it backup the sound was gone. Any ideas? I will try to record it when I hear it next time.

 

Lifters?
Or something is loose?

How fast is it clacking? Is it more like a rattle, or is there a rhythm?

Rattle = something lose
Rhythm = something related to the engine I (lifters) or something moved by the serpentine belt ( alternator )

 

It is inside the engine, but does not seem to be on one head or the other. Are there lifters on this engine? Would not let me upload the vid file from my phone. The sound is deeper than a lifter tapping would be, and I dont think there is anything hydraulic in this valve train. If thats true, it would not go away when the engine warms up. It sounds like this:

https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/for...g-sound-67683/

 

I dont know why the sound dies off in the first few seconds, but this is the sound. Only when its cold.

 

Pretty damn sure its the timing belt tensioner:

You Tube

You Tube

 

When was the timing belt last changed? Also, How many miles are on the current belt? Was the tensioner changed at that time?

 

Just bought the car 500 miles ago. Has 188K on it. This noise is pretty new. Not sure of the maintenance history. Previous owner did nothing to the engine. Anyway, going to change the tensioner n, belt and water pump just to make sure.

 

I did change the tensioner and the sound is gone. There are videos on how to do it, but they dont really relate how much coolant comes out when you remove the water pump. It was alot... I also had an issue with the rear cam rotating about 30 degrees. Seems at TDC the cam is perched on a cam lobe and will easily jump clockwise if jostled. Moving it back to the mark can also cause it to jump counter-clockwise, so dont use a ratchet. Use a long box wrench. Suggest getting a friend to hold the cam still while putting the belt back on.

I got the complete kit that included the pump, tensioner and pulley.

 

Can you tell me if you got a oem Honda kit or aftermarket. My tensioner is bad and making the same noise. Talked to Honda service yesterday and they acted like they do not have a kit. Everything is bought separately (belt, tensioner, water pump etc).

 

Been awhile, but it was aftermarket. Either Amazon or Hondaparts. And all in one... And if you dont have the white makrer stuff, nail polish works great.