Video --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh3Zl...&feature=feedu

As the title says, car is a 2002 LX with the F23A1. 300 000km. The engine is in need of a timing belt, water pump, seals, etc. I am just undecided if I want to spend that money on the engine if it sounds like this. The valves are all in spec (I did the adjustment) and are quiet when I check them with a stethoscope, so its more than likely a bottom end noise, I just cannot pinpoint it.

I don't have the tools to do a compresion check right now but I'll give you some info on the engine. It pulls really good, and it gets about 29 mpg on average (95% highway). Burns oil, but I havent had the car long enough to really track mileage/oil burning yet. This video was taken with the engine at operating temp; though it seems to sound exactly the same when I start it at -30 Celcius outside as it does sitting in the garage coming off the highway, which I would think sort of rules out piston slap because every other case I have seen (even in most GM 3100's) it seems to get alot better when the engine gets hot. (also partly for the afformentioned reasons of fuel mileage and power).

When I had the valve cover off, I was pretty shocked at how clean the engine was, There was NO sludge or varnish whatsoever, which leads me to believe the previous owner took care of it.

This is my first Honda, so Im not really sure what to expect from this engine. Is this sound normal? I don't feel like spending 400-600 dollars on parts for an engine that sounds like a tractor, so any insight on what you think this may be or whether or not to worry about it would be of great help. Changing the engine is a pain in the *** but I would think it would be almost as cheap, if I can find a good one that is.

 

Not to nag but, is this a normal sound or what? I kind of need to know. None of the shops around here know much about Honda's for some reason

 

it doesn’t sound really bad to ME…heck my engine could sound like that but my exhaust is so loud I would never know
Have you checked your exhaust for leaks or breaks in the welds? Maybe that’s why it is getting that low rumble sounds like a v8.

Where are you located?...if you want to sell that engine due to damage I will gladly take it off your hands I need a f23 block for my build no need for the head..

..but someone else should chime in soon.

 

This sounds like typical loose valve noise. However, it is difficult to compare based on a recorded sound. You may be used to hydraulic lifters which are indeed much quieter. Have you checked that you're getting good oil delivery to the valve train. If train is starved for oil, it will make more noise and wear much faster.

Oil consumption may be leaks, PCV system not functioning correctly, valve stem seals, or oil control ring bypass.

I would suggest inspecting carefully for leaks (oil pan, oil pressure switch, valve cover, VTEC pressure switch, etc), clean PCV hoses and replace PCV (if you have wet oil and grime in the air intake duct downstream of PCV air inlet, this is the source of oil consumption).

To check for valve stem seals leaking oil, allow the hot engine to idle for 1-2 mins and then advance throttle quickly. If you see a billow of blue-gray oil smoke the stem seals are leaking. As soon as engine speed stabilizes, the oil smoke will disappear.

Oil control ring bypass generally allow engine continuous oil smoke under heavy throttle.

good luck