New User Here. Hi all. My 2011 Honda Accord LX makes a grinding noise from a cold start. (otherwise no noise). Mechanic I've used for a while says that it's a hydraulic lifter problem, and that there is no way to completely fix it without going into the engine and fixing the faulty parts. He said they make that noise b/c they become "empty and dry". His estimate: $3,100-$3,500. Holy cats! I paid 13K for the car 2 years ago, and it has only 25K miles on it right now. He said only other option is to change oil and hope it gets a little quieter, but that solution may or may not work. He added that this is a very rare problem for Honda's, especially ones that are not old - but still, here we are.

Any advice? I'm not mechanically inclined, but I can do math and paying 25% of the car price for this fix seems INSANE. Thanks in advance.

 

The issue is usually due to the VTC actuator. There is a revised Honda part to fix it. You may want to contact Honda America to see if they may offer assistance.

 

I didn't think it even has hydraulic lifters...

 

It doesn't. If I were op, I'd get a new mechanic. Any competent mechanic would know cold start chain rattles aren't from hydraulic valve lifters, let alone on an engine that doesn't even have that type of lifter, like say a Ford.