Ticking Sound from Engine... any thoughts?
 

Hi all,
I am a newbie here. I currently have three Hondas. A '91 Accord LX, a '99 Ody EX, and an '05 CR-V EX. My Accord (170,000 miles A/T) has developed a ticking sound coming from somwhere under the timing belt cover towards the lower end of the block. Everything with the head and valves and compression has been adjusted and found to be OK. The ticking is not present at idle and will become audiable at around 2000 RPM and cannot be heard anymore over 3300RPM. I don't know if it goes away or is simply drowned out. Main crank, rod and wrist pin bearings have all been ruled out. The engine runs fine and acts normal under all road conditions. The ticking does not appear to be load related as it is present at a high idle as well as under acceleration. It does seem to be less pronounced during deceleration, when the wheels are 'pushing' the engine... All mechanics want to drop in a new (used) motor, but nobody has been able to identify the source. ...an idler? ...which one? Any pointers or like experiences are greatly appreciated.

Chris.

RE: Ticking Sound from Engine... any thoughts?
 

do not replace engine till you properly daignose problem..........any timing belt work done on car recently??? has the mechanic removed lower t-belt cover and check things in there < water pump, oil pump, etc etc >> ?? possible balancer shafts misaligned??

RE: Ticking Sound from Engine... any thoughts?
 

Yep, this is the third set of timing belts and the third water pump (less than 8,000 miles), at that time the water pump and all the frontside seals were replaced. Nothing has been done to the oil pump... Is there a chance the oil-pump could be going out...? ...or behave like this... I have had a couple of occasions where the oil pressure dropped and caused the indicator light to blink after temporary oil pressure loss.

The car has always been well maintained and still looks like new after a wash. It has become somewhat of a challenge to find the annoying tick. When I start from a stop in '2' and put 3/4 pedal at take off there is smooth acceleration and no hick ups.