CRV engine noise

[supton]

Odd one. And I know, I know—until it happens again, it’s anyone’s guess.

Went to start our ‘03 CRV (198k on the clock) this morning. Made a racket so I popped the hood. Sounded like the timing chain was slapping the cover? odd thing is, I removed the oil fill cap and the slapping noise did not get louder or change—I would have guessed, if internal, that it would have gotten louder. As it sounded really bad, I shut it down, then gave the engine a good locking over—then realized that wasn’t going to do much—did a restart and it was fine. Used it, parked it for a few hours. Next restart was just fine.

2 years ago it got a new/reman alternator; this year it got a new serpentine tensioner. No idea on either one other than not OEM replacements.

I’ll check tomorrow on cold start to see if it’s related to that, and video it if it is, but otherwise, any ideas? IF it’s not the chain then maybe see if the serpentine tensioner is somehow bouncing around?

 

[maduroman]

It's got 200k on it
Start up noise I wouldn't worry about it
And it's 22 yrs old

 

[slo town]

If it makes that noise again, be sure to check the spring loaded tensioner pulley. I wonder if it was "bouncing around" (and knocking) because of a piece of debris or rodent that got caught in the serpentine belt. If it never makes that noise again I think that might have been the cause.

Scott

PS Years ago our Subaru Outback strangled a raccoon with its serpentine belt!

 

[slo town]

It's got 200k on it
Start up noise I wouldn't worry about it
And it's 22 yrs old

The OP's CRV has the legendary K24 motor. They'll go 400K miles EASY if properly maintained and not abused.

Scott

 

[maduroman]

The OP's CRV has the legendary K24 motor. They'll go 400K miles EASY if properly maintained and not abused.

Scott

And..........

 

[LazyDog]

Another possibility is the camphaser, you need to removed the valve cover

 

[supton]

I was hoping to not pull the valve cover--I replaced the gasket a couple of of years ago, but the garage said it was leaking again this winter and replaced it, and I see gray RTV in a corner. Apparently I didn't do it right last time? [it had a major leak from the sending unit which is why it went to the shop.]

I can remove it, it's not hard, and would let me gauge how bad the camshaft has gotten, and maybe if the chain is loose. Project for tomorrow, see what it does. It is an idea, something on the outside slapping on the cover, just didn't see it on the restart. Nor did I see any rodent parts on the driveway.

 

[Mechanician]

It's a very odd problem. VTC actuators rarely go bad on that year. And even if it is noisy, they don't make noise long enough for you to open the hood, walk out and look in the oil fill. It would last no more than a couple of seconds.
Let's imagine the ADBV on the filter is bad and the filter emptied completely- it still wouldn't take that long to pressurize.
Then it totally went away after a restart - it's a weird one.

 

[slo town]

And..........

Good point!

Scott

 

[JimPghPA]

Just a guess, variable cam, or timing chain tensioner not moving because of varnish buildup inside, it could also be varnish in the solonoid valve that controls the oil to the variable cam.

Run VRP for 20 K miles ( 4 or more OC ). Be sure to change out the oil filter after the first 500 miles and cut it and examining to see how clogged the pleats are. Use that info to decide if you should run the next filter the entire remaining of the OC, or be replacing oil filters often.

 

[nwjones18]

Possible the bendix didn't fully retract on the starter? That would cause quite a racket and maybe the next restart it retracted fully..

 

[supton]

No noise this morning—must have been a fluke.

I like the idea of the hanging starter, didn’t sound like a starter, but who knows, best idea thus far.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

198K on the ODO ? Still a baby yet. How frequently did you do oil changes ?

 

[JTK]

Does it still have all original timing gear? Could be something failed in there after 20yrs and ~200K.

 

[Auto tech]

Take a long handled screwdriver and place your thumb over the end of the handle. Put it to your ear and use as a stethoscope to probe the areas where the noise is suspected

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Yep, works like a charm We don't need to go to Med School to get a stethoscope ! We make our own !

 

[supton]

198K on the ODO ? Still a baby yet. How frequently did you do oil changes ?

5k. Started using 5w30 about 20k or so ago when cam started going bad.

Take a long handled screwdriver and place your thumb over the end of the handle. Put it to your ear and use as a stethoscope to probe the areas where the noise is suspected

When the noise comes back I’ll try.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Sounds like you may have solved you're problem ...." 20k or so ago when cam started going bad"....Maybe the camshaft just has too much play in it now. Try the stethoscope if / when it comes back.

 

[supton]

Hmm. Did it again today. Sounded more like it was from the serpentine tensioner or the power steering pump. Moving the steering wheel had no impact. Quick shut down, restart fixed it. Weird. Will wait for it to happen again. Maybe it doesn't like waking up on Saturday mornings?

 

[50yr Street Mech]

I'm looking at my crystal ball now........YES !!! I see you and the engine !!!! But, you are scratching you're head .........THE NOISE ..... It's finally there all the time !!!!!! GO SUPTON ... Get the screwdriver stethoscope !!!! ( I yell at you ) .......Then like majic.....no, it's a bit fuzzy now,,,,, yes,,,, the SCREWDRIVER.............!!!!! I'm sorry. The cyrstal ball went dark.....Maybe come back another day and we try... LOL