The motor on my 1996 Accord is louder after the first start of the day. The engine goes back to normal in less than five minutes.

In another post on this forum, it was suggested the 100K mile valve adjustment was needed.

How much does this cost, and what's involved?

Thanks,

Rob

 

So it's "louder"... First you have to decide whether it's valve-noise. That's a ticking sound from under the valve cover.

It might be an exhaust leak that closes up tight when it gets hot? Or a few other possibilities.

I always adjusted my own valves, so for me it's a couple hours of my time. Someone will probably chime in with shop labor cost??

 

Hi Jim:

I wouldn't characterize the sound as a "ticking" noise.

The best explanation I can give you is the engine sounds as if it's running at a higher rpm, yet when it quiets down there's no drop in rpm.

BTW, the going rate for shop labor where I live, other than Honda dealers, is $79

Rob

 

Valves "usually" don't get louder or quieter depending on throttle.

Try to pinpoint the location of the sound. An exhaust-manifold gasket leak (up against the head) can sometimes sound real sharp, like hitting a hammer on a big rock. First time it happened to me, I didn't think it sound like "exhaust noise". Then it gets real quiet when you let off the gas pedal.

With 100k miles, I think the car IS due for a valve adjustment. But now your description of the sound doesn't really sound like valves. Sounds are so much fun to figure out by typing over the internet.

 

you can use seafoam on a cold start by very slowly pouring it into the brake booster hose and watch if it smokes out of the exhaust manifold ... obviously it shouldnt and if it does its an exhaust leak