my grandmaws '08 Accord has always made a loud noise on cold starts, mostly the first start of the day, then its fine afterwards. I always attributed it to the starter. Changed her spark plugs yesterday and after starting and verifying everything was fine, I finally decided to look into the noise. There are many posts online about it being a VCT actuator, my question is, does this absolutely have to be changed and if not, will it eventually cause major engine damage? My grandmaw is 76, the car has 130k miles, she plans on this being her last vehicle, so I want to maintain it as best as I can.
2.4 Accord VCT actuator
- Thread starter mobilaltima
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Honda claims no damage but the noise is alarming, have heard the sound on several Hondas.
If mechanical repair/replace is out of the question, consider installing a pre oiler aka. oil accumulator
Here is a home made setup, does not have to be this complicated
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o-jOtKeBzU
If mechanical repair/replace is out of the question, consider installing a pre oiler aka. oil accumulator
Here is a home made setup, does not have to be this complicated
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o-jOtKeBzU
Our CRV has the same issue. Started at about 65k miles, it has 95k now. Honda has claimed it does not cause the engine any harm. Some have reported in the CRV forum, that after getting the actuator replaced, the noise has come back after a while. An updated part is supposedly available now.
Originally Posted By: GimmeTorq
Our CRV has the same issue. Started at about 65k miles, it has 95k now. Honda has claimed it does not cause the engine any harm. Some have reported in the CRV forum, that after getting the actuator replaced, the noise has come back after a while. An updated part is supposedly available now.
+1, the noise does come back so I'd just leave it. Maybe do a used oil analysis to see how the engine is wearing. You can get a kit at Napa for a decent price.
I'd also change out the pcv valve with an oem unit even if it still rattles. Usually around the 60k mark the internal spring breaks.
Our CRV has the same issue. Started at about 65k miles, it has 95k now. Honda has claimed it does not cause the engine any harm. Some have reported in the CRV forum, that after getting the actuator replaced, the noise has come back after a while. An updated part is supposedly available now.
+1, the noise does come back so I'd just leave it. Maybe do a used oil analysis to see how the engine is wearing. You can get a kit at Napa for a decent price.
I'd also change out the pcv valve with an oem unit even if it still rattles. Usually around the 60k mark the internal spring breaks.
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I've never heard that noise before. My Accord is smooth as silk on startups,even after sitting for weeks unstarted. Same with my friend's Odyssey that has around 230,000 miles on it.
Many of the 8th gen Accords with the K24 have this problem. My actuator was replaced with the updated part and on occasion still rattles, though not as frequently as with the old part. If you can get Honda to cover the replacement I would go for it, if not just live with the noise and keep the oil clean and full. Someone on Drive Accord said that it wrecked their engine, though I am not convinced that was the cause.
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