Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

Sitting at an idle I noticed that a strange noise is coming from somewhere around the pulley side of the engine (Driver side). It sounds a little like a grindig noise or a rapid buzzing noise and only sounds every few minutes for half a second.
Any ideas? I can't place it, the engine bogs down just a little when it happens.

RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

Pop the hood and try to inspect stuff while it's running/idling, you can use a wooden broom handle as a sort of stethescope to help narrow it down, however, the most common issues for that would be an alternator or water pump.... I'm going to take a random guess at an alternator problem but it could be as simple as the belt needing replaced....

RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

Your description suggest ABS unit is running to top-up pressure on the accumulator. You may have low fluid in the ABS reservoir, or possibly a leaking internal valve (not repairable). You can get the ABS code by shorting the Service Check Connector, turn keyswitch to ON,and reading the flashing codes. I've forgotten the code flash scheme but think its all short flashes w/ a pause between 1st and second digits. Check our DIY FAQ's for some further help on ABS or a shop manual if you have one.

good luck

RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

The ABS light does come on frequently.
That may be it. I will check codes.
You say "not repairable". Is it replaceable?

RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

Do you have the A/C on when this happens? My engine bogs when the compressor kicks in, but it usually lasts longer than a few seconds. It is normally bogged for most of the time the A/C is on. Probably not what you are talking about, but just a thought....

RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

I thought the AC too but it is off when it happens.

RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

Yes, it is replaceable at a reasonable cost. You can usually find used modulators for <$100. Be sure to get a warranty, as I've had some problems w/ used units. A new unit is close to $2K, simply unreasonable.

If the fluid level is low and you see evidence (fluid, shriveled looking paint) of brake fluid beneath your modulator, it can likely be repaired. There is a procedure to remove ABS modulator, tighten about 8 plugs in the modulator body, and re-install. PM me w/ your email and I'll forward the procedure. This fixed leaks on my daughter's 97 Acura 2.2 CL which shares the same ABS modulator as the 94EX.

good luck

RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

Thanks for the advice, I am going to try to take some time to narrow in on the noise and do the inspections you recommend. I will let youknow what I see.
The noise is getting worse, It stays on for several seconds now when I initially fire up the engine.

RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

ABS controller resets every time engine is started and attempts to pressurize the ABS modulator. Have you checked fluid level in modulator? Low fluid level will cause this problem. Also get ABS code from controller.

good luck

RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

Yeah I had that problem on my 94 accord all I did to fix it was to bleed the abs pump modulator fairly easy to and got rid of my abs light too.
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RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

I discovered that it does have something to do with the ABS modulator. The gas chamber next to the resevoir vibrates when the noise activates, then I can see fluid move in the resevoir. The resevoir level is also low.

RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

I checked the codes and topped off the fluid.
With the codes here is what I found:
13 - In the shop manal it suggest a High pressure leakage, leaking outlet valve, leaking releif valve or poor connetion in pressure switch current.
18 - Shop manual suggests Hight pressure system malfunction, Accumulator gas leakage, changed releif valve set pressure, rear outlet solenoid valve late to close, changed pressure switch set pressure.

Trouble shooting guide suggests replacing the modulator for just about all of the symptoms.
After inspecting the area around the modulator I see no indication of leakage except for where I spilled some after topping off the resevoir.

RE: Strange "bbvrrrrvrrvrt:" noise - 1994 Accord EX
 

If fluid level was low, I would try to find the source and see if a fix is possible. The internal leaks are not repairable. I worked w/ a modulator w/ an internal leak for several months thinking I might be able to fix. Iremoved valves, cleaned,disassembled, inspected, and reassembled w/ no improvement. I think the actual culprit is the small check valve that allows the tiny pump to pressurize the accumulator. Even a tiny leak by this check valve will result in eventual low pressure and pump will reengage to restore accumulator pressure.

I've found used modulators for prices from $25-$100 easily w/i my immediate area on ebay or car-part.com. If you buy from a parts yard insist on a warranty as you may get a non-working part. They have no way of knowing if a part is good or bad when they sell it, but most will offer a replacement unit or money back for a non-working part. On my daughter's 97 Acural 2.2 CL, I had to mate the pump motor from the old unit to the modulator body and accumulator from a junk yard part which had a non-working motor.

good luck