Engine Noise at low RPM

[laluks]

I have Civic 1.8S Petrol, Manual Transmission.

I am hearing "tak tak" noise from under the bonnet. This noise is audible when the rpm goes above 1000 and is noticeable till 1500 -2000, after that the engine noise is prominent. The frequency of the "tak tak" increases with RPM.

I took it to the dealer, they say its a small engine knock in the lowest RPM, and asked me to drive around and not to worry...I do not trust that fully. Any suggestions?

This started after the 15k service an change of engine oil.

[gm1980]

It is propably the valve's hydraulics. What type of oil they used on service? The noise might propably go away aftersome miles of driving but is it continues I thing you have to visit the dealer becasue if the problem is the hydraulics then migh cause more problems in the future.

[laluks]

The dealer said they have used Honda approved Engine oil.

Do you think this can also be due to the fuel also? I have now run 200km after the service. The sound still persists.

[pcr]

There is a part fixed to the back of the throttle assembly that I can hear making that sort of noise, but it is only noticable when say driving slowly in second gear.

If you are up to it, the use of a long screwdriver as a sound probe is really quite good at tracing these sort of things, but be aware of the dangers.

[laluks]

Originally Posted by pcr

There is a part fixed to the back of the throttle assembly that I can hear making that sort of noise, but it is only noticable when say driving slowly in second gear.

Exactly. I hear this noise only when moving very slowly in 1st / 2nd gear. Also I noticed that from 0 to 1000rpm this sound is not there..(may be very feeble) but once it crosses 1000rpm it is very much noticeable till 2000rpm, the ticking frequency increases with rpm. But above 2000 I cannot hear it because of engine, probably it is still there.....

The vehicle is doing fine except for this. I am bit worried whether this is the beginning of a serious issue. The dealer said its ok..I do not want to trust that

[laluks]

Originally Posted by pcr

If you are up to it, the use of a long screwdriver as a sound probe is really quite good at tracing these sort of things, but be aware of the dangers.

You have already scared me What exactly is the technique? This is just to know..I'm not inclined to try

[pcr]

Take a long (say 10 - 12 inch) thin screwdriver, hold it with the blade touching the part you want to listen to and the handle to your ear. Sounds rubbish but works well.

The danger is inadvertently getting the screwdriver or your hair caught in a moving part, especially the belt or pulleys.

[laluks]

I left the car with the dealer last wednesday. Yesterday they called up to say they have identified the source of the sound. The belt of the power steering pump, has worn out and seems to be the problem. They said they will replace that under warranty....hope the issue is only that...

But a serious cause to worry, the car is just 1 year and has done around 13500km...how can nthe belt just get worn out...Is there anything strange to be looked at? some alignments, etc...

Also I do not know the results after they had changed the belt...I'll get the details only on Monday...

Guys, please let me know what you think.....

[laluks]

Dealer changed the power steering pump belt. The noise is gone, the vehicle is doing great...

The problem was 2006 model belt which was wrongly used in 2007 model car. Mine was the first instance....

Replaced under warranty...Everything fine touch wood...