Weird Engine Noise

L

LeftLane

Experienced Member
Joined
31 October 2003
Messages
1,081
Location
In the left lane, naturally
Hi everyone:

My 95 seems to have a strange note to the revs - it almost sounds like it is ticking, and it gives the aural sensation of a VW!

When I rev it at a stop, there is the obvious crescendo, but then I hear this ticking and it is driving me crazy. I don't know if this is normal, as I have no other NSX to compare it to, but I would imagine it should sound quite a bit more "precise".

I just had the tb/wp replaced, and the 60k service done at the same time, so the valves were adjusted within the last week. The NSX tech checked everything for me both before I bought and after, and then performed the necessary services. It is definitely not a knocking, and the car runs incredibly well, but I need to know what this is and how to fix it - and with all the knowledge on this forum, I figured this is a great place to start.

BTW, the car is bone stock with 51k miles, and all services are up to date. Any suggestions/ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Todd

:confused:
 
I will toss in my best guess. When adjusting the valves on this car it is not easy to get them so the engine runs quiet. If one is lose it will make this noise you describe. Is your tech well versed in the NSX? Dan
 
Yes - the NSX tech at the Acura dealership here has a really good reputation and is well known in south Texas....there are a few other places I could take it to have it looked at, but I don't like to have more than one mechanic work on it if my first guy is good.

I've noticed no slacking in the performance, but I'm worried about doing damage to the engine if I let this go as is. Then again, maybe this is normal and I don't know what I'm talking about - at least, that's what I really hope!;)
 
I hate to dis dealer service but most techs are paid per job so the more jobs they pound out the more $$ they make. Adjusting the valves on an X is a contortionist dream and it takes a fair amount of skill and patience. Properly adjusted valve clearance on an X will make some noise but it should not be annoying. Have a chat with the service manager and explain that you are not satisfied.
 
Thanks - I usually agree with you re dealer service departments, but this is the only guy who works on the NSX at the dealership. Maybe I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt here, but if I can hear something with my untrained ear, wouldn't he be able to hear it also, and not give me my car back after I just paid $2200 for service that includes the valve adjustment?

Maybe I can try to clarify the sound - like a sewing machine sort of, with a definite ticking noise. Any chance this is exhaust related (or something else) and not valves?

How smooth of a sound does an NSX make anyway? I just came out of a 2003 G35 coupe that sounded incredible, like everything was as smooth as butter. Strange noises drive me crazy!
 
Techs are trained to error on the side of more valve clearance because too little or no clearance is bad news for the valves. The exhaust valves will get burnt and the intake will leak and may burn also. Unless your valve clearance is way way too much it will not really cause any problems other then noise and maybe a very small loss in power. When I adjusted the valve clearance on my X I found all of them to be looser then spec. but that is not saying much because the spec. is only .001 wide. Intake .006 to .007 and the exhaust is .007 to .008. The cellophane wrapper on a pack of cigarettes is about .001 in thick.
 
I have the exact same sound. My NSX is a 1996 with about 24,500 miles. Your description of a sewing machine sound or ticking sound is exactly how I would describe it. The first question I believe you are asking is if this is a similar sound that others are hearing. I would like to hear others describe the sound of their engine under acceleration as well. Thanks.:confused:
 
synergy:

Yes, I use Augie at Gunn - he came highly referred from other folks. I bought a 2003 TL-S there last year and really like the guys that work there. I've heard from several folks that Augie is great on the NSX, so I hope that is still true.

I'm hoping my sound is normal, but I would like to hear form others if they experience the same noise.

Thanks!

Todd
 
My past 3 NSX's would make some ticking noises in the valve train. I don't think it's anything to worry about, take it back and have your mech. listen to it. I just considered the rough idle and noisy valve train to be inherent to the NSX. Doug
 
I had similar issues with my car when I bought mine used. When it came time to do my timing belt, I had the valves adjusted too by Don at Hilltop here in the Bay Area. The engine has since been smooth and sonorous - even after 30K+ miles.

If the valves are properly adjusted, I don't think valve noises should be too apparent.
 
My '91 stock has over 73K miles and I've never heard the ticking noise you describe. Smooth crescendo whether accelerating in gear or at a complete stop. My only non-technical answer would be to take it back to the dealer where you had the service performed and explain what you are hearing to them. Then if possible, have the mechanic who did the service take a test drive with you and point this out to him. Never underestimate someone's ability to foul up a tolerance on say a valve adjustment clearance, or timing belt tension for example. No matter how good a mechanic's reputation or how many of the same jobs they've done in the past, mistakes do happen. I'm not saying this is your case, and this may be normal as you've said before, but it's worth taking it back to get a second look.

Hyuan, I'm also in the Bay Area. Can you give me a lead to Hilltop and your mechanic? Thanks.
 
I have a 96 and it makes a sewing machine sound at idle.. I don't hear it at all when I rev.. It has 34K miles and it had a valve adjustment at 31K.. I just bought a month ago so I still getting used to the sounds of the car..

It is getting the timing belt, water pump and another valve adjustment next week so I will post back any changes in noise/performance..
 
svalleynsx said:
Hyuan, I'm also in the Bay Area. Can you give me a lead to Hilltop and your mechanic?
Click to expand...
Contact information for Don's Hilltop Service is on his website, here. He is just south of San Francisco.

However, if your username is a reference to the Sacramento Valley, there are a couple of good places closer to you than Don's - namely, Niello Acura and Pettitt's.

All three of these places do a lot of NSX service work and are highly regarded.
 
Thanks nsxstacy I was pm'd by hyuan already and got the info. He(the Hilltop guy Don) seems to come highly regarded for any folks in silicon valley.
 
I hear a similar sound

I have a 1995 NSX, now with 43K miles. I have a CompTech exhaust. I noticed the sewing machine sound both before and after timing belt replacement/valve adjustment. I was of the opinion--based on other postings I have read here--that the sound was related to the fuel injectors. I will search forum and see what I can find.
 
Folks,

The NSX has, for the most part, mechanical lifters. They are not really lifters, or rockers, but cam followers, with a screw adjustment. It is not at all uncommon for them to tap when cold and even a slight clicking when warmed up.

Also I have found that most people focus on sounds that have always been there, when their car is serviced:). This includes myself when I do the work!!!! My car has it's valves set on the "tighter" side. i.e:.006-.007 mine is set at .006. It is still "clicky" at idle, especially when cold.

I have not worked on one yet, but have been reading that the fuel injectors seem to also be louder on the newer models (2002, 2003)

HTH
LarryB
 
Alright - I just got back from the Acura dealer, where I had the service advisor, the service manager, and the NSX tech all listen to my car for the ticking sound. All 3 said the noise is very normal and that it is not causing any damage. The tech explained that the way the valves are adjusted within certain tolerances, the "ticking" sound is normal and common.

So...pretty much like all of you already indicated!

At least now I have them on the hook - they adjusted the valves, they have verified that everything is hunky-dory...I feel better already!:p
 
Slightly loose valves will not hurt your engine, just your ears. If they check the clearence I am sure they will find one or two to reset. I did my own and had to. Dan
 
Thanks for the info - I have no idea how to post sound clips. I'll be with an NSX group form Austin this week and I'll have some folks give it a listen. I'm probably being hyper-sensitive to it now.:rolleyes:
 

Similar threads

C
Grinding noise from rear driver's side under load
Replies
6
Views
201
Old Guy
Old Guy
cdscivic
Higher mileage SOS Engine Rebuild
Replies
10
Views
519
MrPaultugal
MrPaultugal
vra4anin
Automatic Transmission problem - won't change gears, CEL code ERROR 15
2
Replies
28
Views
610
vra4anin
vra4anin
idk706
Engine cover
Replies
5
Views
273
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey
idk706
EPS Light came on
Replies
7
Views
295
idk706
idk706
Back
Top