1999 Honda CRV Engine

MONRODEO

MEMBER
1999 HONDA CRV
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

We took the car in for a valve adjustment because the tappets sounded loud. It's been that way for over a year. They could adjust all but exhaust valve #2. The adjuster could not be turned out any further. The mechanic also said he heard an unexpected noise when starting up the engine cold. He thought that it was related to the rods and that once the oil pressure increased the noise stopped. The service writer (these guys don't sell cars) said that just pulling the head and doing about a $1500 valve job probably wouldn't be enough because it sounded like there might be something wrong with the "bottom". His thoughts were either a used $3000 engine (new are around $8000), or trade it in. (How do I do that knowing what I do?) We got the car "Honda certified" with about 40K miles. We change the oil every 3K mi and have had the 90k service with the belts done. Any ideas, or suggestions? Thanks for providing the service! Kim Monroe

4 Replies

THIS IS MIKE

MECHANIC
686 POSTS

Have you heard any noise when cold starting?

The problem with purchasing a used motor is you could be inheriting someone elses problem. Used motors usually come with a 90 day warranty, but you still have to pay the labor if it needs to be replaced with another one within that period. After that you are running a used engine with less miles on it than you have currently. You have to consider the miles on the drivetrain as well.

A new motor at $8000 is more than you want to spend for a vehicle with 140,000 miles.

As far as trading it in, the dealer is going to offer you a fair price for your car based on miles and condition. Get a few estimates from local dealers on what your trade in value is. You bought a Honda Certified car and they will make it that way for the next owner.

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Friday, July 4th, 2008 AT 4:00 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Kim Monroe,

If the timing belt tension is not tight enough, warm starting might cause some abnormal noise. If the noise disappears after the engine has warmed up, it should not be a rod problem.

A rod problem would have the knocking noise during sudden acceleration or revving up the engine.

If oil treatment had been used previously, it could cause partial clogging which can cause the oil to travel slower during starting, thus the noise.

If the valve could not be adjusted, the rocker arm could be taken out and replaced if necessary. The adjusting screw could have been stuck due to sludge and twisting it a few times should get it going.

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Saturday, July 5th, 2008 AT 8:48 AM

MONRODEO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

[quote="2CarPros Mike"]Have you heard any noise when cold starting?

There is a noise upon cold starting. One mechanic said "It sounded bad". Another thought that it was starter motor noise that would ultimately mean replacing the starter. The mechanic who said he couldn't adjust one of the valves thought that it was rod related and that increase in engine oil pressure made it go away. But this somehow indicated potential "bottom" problems. Is this true? Also the fact that one of the valves can't be adjusted means having to do a valve job and removing the head. Is that also indicated? I listened to the noise this morning. It only happened on cold start. It sounded metallic to me, like metal rattling, or shaking on metal. The noise did not persist once the car ran. Nor did it occur when acclerating the engine in neutral. Thanks

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Sunday, July 6th, 2008 AT 1:02 PM

KHLOW2008