Accord 2004: Knocking/Tapping noise on cold start

[taimoore]

Hello ETCG,
I’m new on this forum but having been viewing your videos on youtube for a while. I was wondering if you could help me with the problem I recently observed on my Honda Accord 4-Dr sedan EX 2004 model car.

Here is the info on my car.

Honda Accord EX 2004 Sedan (Vtec Engine)
Mileage: 151,000
Oil Change: every 3-5K miles with Mobile 1 Full Synthetic engine oil and oil filter.

Just recently I have noticed that when I start the engine from cold. A tapping/knocking noise appears from the engine. However the noise fades away in 2-4 minutes once the engine has become warm. This noise I have noticed appears when the engine is cold. However the noise goes away after the engine is warm.

I am really puzzle and worried because I have always changed the oil and filter at regular intervals. I would really appreciate your help if you can help with this problem.

Thank you,
best regards
Tim

Topic

[619DioFan]

With the milage listed you may need to have the valves adjusted. loose valves would make a tapping sound when cold.

[taimoore]

Hi DioFan,
It is possible to make the valve adjustments myself? If so what tools do I need and is there a step by step video or manual that can show me how to perform the valve adjustments on my honda accord 2004 ex car?

Thanks for your reply.

regards
tim

[619DioFan]

Eric has a valve adjustment video posted here on the site. just check the video section. for tools you will need a set of feeler guages , set of metric sockets for removing the valve cover , 10mm wrench for adjusting the valves ( recommend getting the ” special valve adjust tool ” not to expensive from amazon. makes the job easier imo. specs for cold adjustment should be located on the info tag under the hood ( having a shop manual on hand would be a good idea as well ). always check the gap before adjusting as a little loose is better then too tight .

[celticbhoy]

Sounds to me like the pistons are slapping.

[taimoore]

Hello DioFan,

I have attached the audio noise that comes when I open up the hood from the engine. The temperature outside is about 15-35 deg F.

I’ve heard it could be piston slap or valves in need of adjustment but have not had a mechanic listen to it as of yet.

Any advise would be highly appreciated.

Thanks
Tim

[619DioFan]

If you have a mechanics stethascope you can listen to the valve train. place the end on the valve cover ( you can also substitute a long screwdriver – handle goes against your ear ) or a long wooden dowel ( something that can transfere sound ) some valve train noise is normal. from the video it sounds like valve train ( note – sometimes an exhaust leak can make a simialer sound ) although this sounds more ” mechanical ” .

[WDHewson]

Get the valves adjusted. You don’t want to drive too much with that clatter.

Piston slap really happens under engine load, not at idle.

[college man]

I’m on the valve adjustment theory.

[taimoore]

Hello WDHewson,
Thank you for your reply. Yes the tapping/knocking noise that I have observed is present when I first start the cold engine in the morning and it is idle (neutral). Takes about 2-3 minutes for the sound to fade away.

My question is if the valves are not adjusted will it have any repercussions? I need to purchase the tools and make sure when I perform the adjustment to make sure I don’t screw it up.

I have never done valve adjustments before and would appreciate any suggestions to ensure that I do it properly without damaging the engine.

Thank you for your advice.

best regards
Tim

[WDHewson]

Valves are really pretty easy to adjust if you have one of two things. Engine knowledge or an exact procedure to follow that substitutes for knowledge. But an Accord V6 is probably not a great place to begin learning unless you have a tutor present.

I don’t know if you can use Eric’s site to locate a subscriber near you who might be a tutor for half a day. My friends generally know that I’ll “bust hump” on their cars with them present to help if they buy me lunch. It’s a depression so “Will Work for Food”

[taimoore]

Sorry my mistake it’s an Accord EX 2.4 L 4 Cyl-Vtec engine.

Wish you lived nearby, would surely appreciate your help. Sure lunch would not be an issue.

Thanks

[taimoore]

WDHewson,
Below is the attached audio noise that I am receiving.

Thanks

[EricTheCarGuy]

Switch back to regular oil and recheck for the condition. This forum is FULL of people that use synthetic oil and have engine noise issues. Synthetic oil has different flow characteristics and as a result can cause issues like that as well as oil leaks where there weren’t any before. The only benefit to synthetic that I see is the ability to extend oil change intervals. Keep us posted on what you find.

[Author]

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