engine clatter and more.
 

hey guys...i'm new here...a few questions. First off....i got a 97 Accord EXR 2dr.coupe with the 2.2L VTec. I just got it last week since Acura Legends are hard to find around here...(i had an 89 before this) and a 2005 Grand Prix GT that was stolen and written off so now i'm back to honda.

Anyways...so it's been a while that i've had a car with a 4 cyl. but i've noticed, what i can best describe as a "clatter" in this engine on acceleration. I know 4 cyl. engines are generally louder and not too smooth, but do you think this is normal or can anyone else with a 4cyl. comment on this? Also, can anyone else with 94-97 accords tell me if there are any common problems with this car or anything i should look out for? The car has had the timing belt and water pump replaced in 2005 as well as new brakes and new michellin x1 tires this year..so i figure i'm good to go for now.

Oh yea, i should also ask. I guess the best and cheapest way to get the most out of this engine is to get a cold air intake..or no? Or what else can you guys suggest? I'm not really interested in spending a crap load of money...such as a $3000 turbo or what not.

Thanks for the help!

RE: engine clatter and more.
 

I wopuld have to listen to the noise to determine if normal or not......But you might want to chk the valve lash......

as to gain a few extra horse power.. cold air intake and muffler is a cheap way that might fit your needs

RE: engine clatter and more.
 

how many miles does it have on it?

RE: engine clatter and more.
 

like desert said an ebay SRI intake for about $40.00 and a set of OBX headers (around $200.00 I think) is probably the cheapest/easiest way

RE: engine clatter and more.
 

It's got 137km on it. I was also thinking about a catback exhaust and muffler but i really don't want my exhaust to sound like a swarm of bees..which seems to be the thing these days

RE: engine clatter and more.
 

does the valve clatter dissapear when engine is warm?

does engine actually get to operating temp?

RE: engine clatter and more.
 

no, it doesn't go away when it's warm. and the temp. gauge is always slightly under half. It could just be normal i think...i'm really not used to 4 cylinders. it's just kinda loud on acceleration...almost has that diesel engine sound.

RE: engine clatter and more.
 

Temperature gauge being just under half sounds just right to me. That part is normal.

Checking valve lash is just too easy, I would certainly do that first. Even though I think valve noise wouldn't change on or off the throttle.

Since it's louder when you're on the gas, have you checked whether it's something like a leak in the exhaust manifold gasket? I'm just asking out of ignorance from not hearing the noise firsthand. Sometimes a leak way up there has more of a knocking sound as opposed to the rumble you get when the leak is back under the car.

Then again, there's always spark knocking... How's your spark timing? I don't know whether the ExR has a knock sensor, but if not, that's another possibility.

RE: engine clatter and more.
 

I thought maybe my thermostat might be stuck open since it usually reads between 1/4 and just under half all the time, but it blows really good heat and it's cold here now so i think that's probably normal.

I was thinking that exhaust manifold could be causing that noise...kinda makes sense now that i think about it. I'm gonna get it checked out when i get my oil changed at the dealer this weekend.

Thanks for the help guys!

RE: engine clatter and more.
 

Mine does the exact same thing. I thought it was the exhaust manifold, but my exhast is good. I think they are just noisy.

Does it quiet down at highway speeds? Cuz mine is silent on the highway.