1997 Honda Civic Clicking on Incline

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JOESAT78
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  • 1 POST
97 Honda Civic DX 2-Dr (Coupe) - Manual Transmission

My car makes a low clicking sound when it climbs a gentle incline (usually when I'm on 3rd/4th gear). The sound does not come when I climb a steep incline (2nd gear).

The sound is a very inconsistent, very low sound (similar to a penny clicking on a glass). I can hear it only when I listen to it carefully. But, I'm pretty positive its coming from under the hood.

I usually use 87 octane gas. The sound SURPRISINGLY goes away when I use a 89 octane gas.

1) Can someone tell me whether there is a permenent solution for this problem?
2) Could this be engine knocking?
3) Will I hurt the engine if I continue to run it under 87 octane gas?
4) Will the engine be okay if I run it on 89 octane gas?

your answer is highly appreciated...

Thank You,
Joe
Jul 30, 2006 at 2:44 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
I would say that you have answered your own question. The 89 and 90 to 92 octane should not hurt the car. Sticking with the higher octane is okay. I highly doubt you will hurt the car on 87 octane but I would favor the 89 or above. Sometimes I thing that the oil industry will call it an 87 octane but it will be less.
Jul 31, 2006 at 9:07 AM

Suggested Repair

Use 89 octane or higher fuel. Higher octane should not harm the engine and is preferred if the faint clicking occurs on 87 octane.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Honda Civic reports a faint clicking sound under the hood on gentle inclines in 3rd or 4th gear that does not occur on steep climbs in 2nd gear and disappears with 89 octane. The expert says higher octane is acceptable and preferable, and doubts that 87 octane will damage the engine but favors 89 or above.

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