Other Noisy diesel engine when cold

dieselnewbie · 14th April 2011, 00:41

Hi

I am a total newbie to the forum and a newbie to diesels. Just bought an 06 plate civic 2.2 ES on 46k miles and am now having concerns about the engine noise. It sounds clattery when cold and epecially around the 1500 rpm mark for the first few miles. Salesman told me this was normal and I noticed that it did quieten down once the engine warmed up.

It does sound to my untrained ear like a transit or minicab type diesel clatter on start up and when cold and I wondered if this was normal? Looking at some of the threads, people say that the civic is one of the quietest diesels but I am questioning this? However as its my first diesel I have nothing to compare it to. Are other people's cars as noisy when cold?

I appreciate any input

Cheers

Martin

JohnnyBoy · 14th April 2011, 02:18

Hmm, it shouldn't sound like a diesel, if you know what I mean. This is my first diesel too and I'm always amazed how quiet mine is, even when cold. Obviously any engine, petrol or diesel is going to be noisier until it's properly warmed up, but if your civic is sounding like a transit then I'd say you've got problems.

My Dad is a cab driver, he's got a diesel focus and that sounds like it's trying to shake itself apart when he starts up in the morning. By comparison my 2.2 sounds very quiet.

marx175 · 14th April 2011, 08:20

hi, I have a diesel and it DOES sound clattery and noisy when cold, when it warms up it is fine. I'm pretty sure this a just a trait of diesels.

NoNumpty · 14th April 2011, 08:30

My diesel is noisier when cold but never sounds clattery or like a transit

JohnnyBoy · 14th April 2011, 08:31

Yeah all engines are noisier on start-up until they warm up, but it still shouldn't sound like a transit. The iCTDi is a very quiet engine, for a diesel.

coste1l · 14th April 2011, 08:40

The point being for a diesel, they are noisier than when up to temp but not as noisy as a mechanical derv

dieselnewbie · 14th April 2011, 12:08

Thanks for all the replies so far guys. I guess its hard to describe the sound of the engine so I recorded a cold start this morning. Here's a link to an mp3 sound file of the car starting using an external mic placed 1m from the bonnet:

http://www.mediafire.com/?6hgsduwyy9jl6dd

Here's a link to the same cold start as heard from inside the car plus a short journey around the block:

http://www.mediafire.com/?z5k2oq83y6ecnad

Does it sound normal to you other diesel owners or is it noisier than usual? The metallic jangling sound is my keys and the heavy breathing is me!

Perhaps I'm worrying too much?

Cheers

Martin

Growler · 14th April 2011, 12:24

sounds fine to me!

mandizzle · 14th April 2011, 12:51

sounds fine to me as well mate.. until they heat up... i always start to car and leave it to warm up for 5mins. before i drive off.

mandizzle · 14th April 2011, 12:54

okay just listen to the internal sound... if the windows are closed... it makes a lot of sound (i can't heard mine when im inside my 2.2

claytow · 14th April 2011, 13:53

I guess i must have problems too, I have to say that for one of the quietest diesel engines in the world I think mine sounds like a tractor all the time, but im afraid thats bacause of what I was used to before.. but I bought a warranty so im hoping if theres anything incidious going on ill get it done under warranty.

JohnnyBoy · 14th April 2011, 15:13

Can't hear anything untoward tbh. It is a bit noisier than mine, but each engine is going to be slightly different depending on how it's been treated throughout it's life.

What do you run it on? Our dervs seem to like VPower diesel, mine always runs that little bit smoother when I give it VPD to drink instead of supermarket fuel.

I probably would've noticed more of a difference going from my VERY quiet 2.0l petrol Accord to the diesel civic, but I've always got my Dad's clattery focus estate starting up on the drive, and the civic sounds like it's electric compared to that lol

dieselnewbie · 14th April 2011, 17:11

Thanks for all the feedback - its good to know it is nothing untoward just a bit noisy. My last car was a smooth petrol V5 Seat Toledo with lots of noise insulation in the cabin so its taking me a bit of time to adjust.

I have Sainsburys city diesel in there at the moment but will give Shell V power a go and see if I notice a change. Also putting through a Forte diesel treatment at the moment to see if that improves things and will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again guys

Fr0d · 14th April 2011, 17:31

The DERV unit is a little clattery when cold, regardless of what Honda may say. My engine in my TDCi Focus was definatley quieter when cold. When it is warm, it is very quiet and refined for a diesel, though, as your clip demonstrates.

I have made a noticable improvement in the noise level when cold, simply by adding a little 2 stroke oil to the fuel tank at fill ups. A quick search on here for "adding two stroke" will point you in the right direction.Although I have been told this is safe, you will void your Honda warranty so, *on your head be it*, in other words.

If you think the Civic is bad, take a listen to a PD engined VAG and you will hear how the iCTDi is in a different league!

Fr0d

Relic · 14th April 2011, 20:17

Doesnt sound to bad to be honest from outside.
But the inside does sound very noisy.
Chip had the same issue with someone leaving out bungs in the bulkhead

pw981 · 14th April 2011, 21:00

after listening to the internal sound file, my question would be at what revs are you changing gear with the engine cold?

Pottsy · 14th April 2011, 21:09

It sounds good from the outside, but maybe a little noisy on the inside (but this could be the recording). It might be that something is in contact with the body that shouldn't be (like the exhaust) but only a drive in person would establish that.

See if you can drive another, to compare. But the odds are, it's fine.

Chip · 14th April 2011, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relic

Doesnt sound to bad to be honest from outside.
But the inside does sound very noisy.
Chip had the same issue with someone leaving out bungs in the bulkhead

I had loads of cabin noise after honda replaced my 2nd clutch and didn't put a grommit back round the steering column properly and the noise came in through the drivers footwell

(Brayley St Albans)

dieselnewbie · 14th April 2011, 23:42

Thanks for the additional feedback. Sounds like my car is very noisy inside the cabin then - the second sound file is with all the windows closed so that is the noise coming into the cabin from the engine bay.

Sadly I don't have access to another 2.2 diesel to compare unless anyone is close to Hampton, Middlesex? Will have to put it into the main dealers to have all the soundproofing checked out and see if they also thinks its noisy.

During the short run, I did give it some beans (even tho' it was cold) just so you could hear the sound at different revs although I normally change up before 2000 rpm when its cold. I trust that's OK?

I really like the car and the performance it gives but it is loud inside and if that can be cured, I'll be a happy bunny

I really appreciate all your help and want to say what a great forum this is and how friendly you guys are. Thanks again

fidsey · 15th April 2011, 06:19

You could alway go to a main dealer and say your interested in one of their diesel civics and take it out for a test drive lol.

14th April 2011, 00:41	#1 (permalink)
dieselnewbie Car: 2006 2.2d ES silver Join Date: 13th April 2011 Location: London, UK Posts: 15 Thanks given: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Noisy diesel engine when cold Hi I am a total newbie to the forum and a newbie to diesels. Just bought an 06 plate civic 2.2 ES on 46k miles and am now having concerns about the engine noise. It sounds clattery when cold and epecially around the 1500 rpm mark for the first few miles. Salesman told me this was normal and I noticed that it did quieten down once the engine warmed up. It does sound to my untrained ear like a transit or minicab type diesel clatter on start up and when cold and I wondered if this was normal? Looking at some of the threads, people say that the civic is one of the quietest diesels but I am questioning this? However as its my first diesel I have nothing to compare it to. Are other people's cars as noisy when cold? I appreciate any input Cheers Martin

14th April 2011, 08:20	#3 (permalink)
marx175 Supporter Car: 2006 2.2 galaxy grey Join Date: 28th February 2011 Location: bristol Posts: 183 Thanks given: 12 Thanked 13 Times in 13 Posts iTrader: (0)	hi, I have a diesel and it DOES sound clattery and noisy when cold, when it warms up it is fine. I'm pretty sure this a just a trait of diesels. Last edited by marx175; 14th April 2011 at 10:14. Reason: bad spelling

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14th April 2011, 02:18	#2 (permalink)
JohnnyBoy Pirate, yarrrr! Join Date: 11th October 2010 Location: Wallasey, UK Posts: 3,506 Thanks given: 773 Thanked 404 Times in 322 Posts iTrader: (3)	Hmm, it shouldn't sound like a diesel, if you know what I mean. This is my first diesel too and I'm always amazed how quiet mine is, even when cold. Obviously any engine, petrol or diesel is going to be noisier until it's properly warmed up, but if your civic is sounding like a transit then I'd say you've got problems. My Dad is a cab driver, he's got a diesel focus and that sounds like it's trying to shake itself apart when he starts up in the morning. By comparison my 2.2 sounds very quiet.

14th April 2011, 08:30	#4 (permalink)
NoNumpty Supporter Car: 2008 2.2 i-CTDi ES NHB Join Date: 20th May 2008 Location: Cheshire UK Posts: 4,104 Thanks given: 57 Thanked 340 Times in 325 Posts iTrader: (0)	My diesel is noisier when cold but never sounds clattery or like a transit

14th April 2011, 08:31	#5 (permalink)
JohnnyBoy Pirate, yarrrr! Join Date: 11th October 2010 Location: Wallasey, UK Posts: 3,506 Thanks given: 773 Thanked 404 Times in 322 Posts iTrader: (3)	Yeah all engines are noisier on start-up until they warm up, but it still shouldn't sound like a transit. The iCTDi is a very quiet engine, for a diesel.

14th April 2011, 08:40	#6 (permalink)
coste1l Supporter Car: 09 Suzuki Swift Sport white Join Date: 16th January 2010 Location: Sunderland UK Posts: 17,845 Thanks given: 1,108 Thanked 1,975 Times in 1,866 Posts iTrader: (15)	The point being for a diesel, they are noisier than when up to temp but not as noisy as a mechanical derv

14th April 2011, 12:08	#7 (permalink)
dieselnewbie Thread starter Car: 2006 2.2d ES silver Join Date: 13th April 2011 Location: London, UK Posts: 15 Thanks given: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the replies so far guys. I guess its hard to describe the sound of the engine so I recorded a cold start this morning. Here's a link to an mp3 sound file of the car starting using an external mic placed 1m from the bonnet: http://www.mediafire.com/?6hgsduwyy9jl6dd Here's a link to the same cold start as heard from inside the car plus a short journey around the block: http://www.mediafire.com/?z5k2oq83y6ecnad Does it sound normal to you other diesel owners or is it noisier than usual? The metallic jangling sound is my keys and the heavy breathing is me! Perhaps I'm worrying too much? Cheers Martin

14th April 2011, 12:24	#8 (permalink)
Growler Down and Dirty Car: 2009 2.2 Type-S 3 door Join Date: 12th January 2010 Location: Luxembourg Posts: 341 Thanks given: 11 Thanked 17 Times in 17 Posts iTrader: (0)	sounds fine to me!

14th April 2011, 12:51	#9 (permalink)
mandizzle Car: 2007 2.2 CDTI Honda Civic Join Date: 28th September 2010 Location: Crawley, Gatwick, West Sussex Posts: 240 Thanks given: 19 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts iTrader: (1)	sounds fine to me as well mate.. until they heat up... i always start to car and leave it to warm up for 5mins. before i drive off.

14th April 2011, 12:54	#10 (permalink)
mandizzle Car: 2007 2.2 CDTI Honda Civic Join Date: 28th September 2010 Location: Crawley, Gatwick, West Sussex Posts: 240 Thanks given: 19 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts iTrader: (1)	okay just listen to the internal sound... if the windows are closed... it makes a lot of sound (i can't heard mine when im inside my 2.2

14th April 2011, 13:53	#11 (permalink)
claytow Car: Type S GT 2.2 I-CTDi ,Silver Join Date: 25th March 2011 Location: Norwich UK Posts: 56 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader: (0)	I guess i must have problems too, I have to say that for one of the quietest diesel engines in the world I think mine sounds like a tractor all the time, but im afraid thats bacause of what I was used to before.. but I bought a warranty so im hoping if theres anything incidious going on ill get it done under warranty.

14th April 2011, 15:13	#12 (permalink)
JohnnyBoy Pirate, yarrrr! Join Date: 11th October 2010 Location: Wallasey, UK Posts: 3,506 Thanks given: 773 Thanked 404 Times in 322 Posts iTrader: (3)	Can't hear anything untoward tbh. It is a bit noisier than mine, but each engine is going to be slightly different depending on how it's been treated throughout it's life. What do you run it on? Our dervs seem to like VPower diesel, mine always runs that little bit smoother when I give it VPD to drink instead of supermarket fuel. I probably would've noticed more of a difference going from my VERY quiet 2.0l petrol Accord to the diesel civic, but I've always got my Dad's clattery focus estate starting up on the drive, and the civic sounds like it's electric compared to that lol

14th April 2011, 17:11	#13 (permalink)
dieselnewbie Thread starter Car: 2006 2.2d ES silver Join Date: 13th April 2011 Location: London, UK Posts: 15 Thanks given: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the feedback - its good to know it is nothing untoward just a bit noisy. My last car was a smooth petrol V5 Seat Toledo with lots of noise insulation in the cabin so its taking me a bit of time to adjust. I have Sainsburys city diesel in there at the moment but will give Shell V power a go and see if I notice a change. Also putting through a Forte diesel treatment at the moment to see if that improves things and will let you know how I get on. Thanks again guys

14th April 2011, 17:31	#14 (permalink)
Fr0d Pheasant Plucker Car: 2006 2.2 EX, NHB Join Date: 29th October 2010 Location: UK Posts: 1,321 Thanks given: 56 Thanked 129 Times in 128 Posts iTrader: (1)	The DERV unit is a little clattery when cold, regardless of what Honda may say. My engine in my TDCi Focus was definatley quieter when cold. When it is warm, it is very quiet and refined for a diesel, though, as your clip demonstrates. I have made a noticable improvement in the noise level when cold, simply by adding a little 2 stroke oil to the fuel tank at fill ups. A quick search on here for "adding two stroke" will point you in the right direction.Although I have been told this is safe, you will void your Honda warranty so, on your head be it, in other words. If you think the Civic is bad, take a listen to a PD engined VAG and you will hear how the iCTDi is in a different league! Fr0d

14th April 2011, 20:17	#15 (permalink)
Relic Cockup Specialist Car: 2007 2.2 Type 'S' GT, Bronze Join Date: 31st August 2009 Location: uk Posts: 12,134 Thanks given: 735 Thanked 1,450 Times in 1,272 Posts iTrader: (0)	Doesnt sound to bad to be honest from outside. But the inside does sound very noisy. Chip had the same issue with someone leaving out bungs in the bulkhead

14th April 2011, 21:00	#16 (permalink)
pw981 Join Date: 19th April 2007 Posts: 3 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts iTrader: (0)	after listening to the internal sound file, my question would be at what revs are you changing gear with the engine cold?

14th April 2011, 21:09	#17 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Car: Jag XF 3.0 Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 12,337 Thanks given: 127 Thanked 2,267 Times in 775 Posts iTrader: (0)	It sounds good from the outside, but maybe a little noisy on the inside (but this could be the recording). It might be that something is in contact with the body that shouldn't be (like the exhaust) but only a drive in person would establish that. See if you can drive another, to compare. But the odds are, it's fine.

14th April 2011, 23:42	#19 (permalink)
dieselnewbie Thread starter Car: 2006 2.2d ES silver Join Date: 13th April 2011 Location: London, UK Posts: 15 Thanks given: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the additional feedback. Sounds like my car is very noisy inside the cabin then - the second sound file is with all the windows closed so that is the noise coming into the cabin from the engine bay. Sadly I don't have access to another 2.2 diesel to compare unless anyone is close to Hampton, Middlesex? Will have to put it into the main dealers to have all the soundproofing checked out and see if they also thinks its noisy. During the short run, I did give it some beans (even tho' it was cold) just so you could hear the sound at different revs although I normally change up before 2000 rpm when its cold. I trust that's OK? I really like the car and the performance it gives but it is loud inside and if that can be cured, I'll be a happy bunny I really appreciate all your help and want to say what a great forum this is and how friendly you guys are. Thanks again

15th April 2011, 06:19	#20 (permalink)
fidsey Car: 2006 2.2 5 door sport silver Join Date: 27th February 2010 Location: Leominster Posts: 142 Thanks given: 1 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader: (0)	You could alway go to a main dealer and say your interested in one of their diesel civics and take it out for a test drive lol.