Loud knocking from upper engine

WEZZY_NETWORKS

MEMBER
1998 HONDA CIVIC
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
170,000 MILES

Hello,

I like to work on my car and recently had a problem come up with my engine; I have a very loud and quite annoying knocking sound coming from my engine and need help confirming if it's rod knock or not. It's pretty high pitch I took my valve cover off to see if the valves were out of adjustment and a few of them were. After adjusting them with a feeler gauge and replacing the gaskets the noise did not go away it mainly occurs from 2,000 RPMs to 4,000 RPMs. I would also like to mention that I did recently install a new clutch, so I am wondering if that has anything to do with it. The car does drive, and clutch engages perfectly but I thought that would just be something notable to mention. I also included a short video of the knocking to see if it sounds immediately noticeable to anyone. Thank you and I appreciate the time you might take upon answering my questions.

Video (Click to make bigger)

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi,

It does sound like a lifter and not a rod knock. Is it louder near the distributor? Also, when you had the valve cover removed, did you start the engine to see if the noise was from the top end of the engine? If not, have the engine running and remove the oil fill cap to see if that is where the sound is coming from. It if is the top end, it should get louder.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, October 22nd, 2021 AT 10:07 PM

WEZZY_NETWORKS

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Hi,

Thanks for your reply, to be honest I cannot really tell where the noise is coming from. It sorts of sounds like its coming from the back if the engine head, but it does sound like it's all around at times. So maybe it is closer towards the distributor and no, I did not start the engine without the valve cover but I did use my shutoff switch to cut the fuel and used the starter to turn it over a few times to see if there was any noticeable irregular moment, I saw none. So, I closed it back up after making sure I did the valve adjustment correctly. I just started the car up and opened the oil cap and not sure if it did get louder but this time it defiantly sounded like it was very close to the distributor.

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Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 AT 2:47 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi,

I have a feeling it could be the actual camshaft bearings. If there is excessive endplay, it could be hitting off the distributor shaft.

Just for a test, place your hand on the distributor and see if you can feel banging when the noise is heard.

Also, I attached directions for testing the camshaft, bearings, and end play. You will need a product called plastigage.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.

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Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 AT 7:56 PM

WEZZY_NETWORKS

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Hi,

Very sorry for the late response I was very busy today
I didn't feel any type of banging on the distributor.
I have used a dial indicator but I do not own one and I can see about getting the plastigauge only thing is if it is too much endplay do you think it's worth fixing on my own or should I just replace the engine? I have been thinking about a replacement because the previous owner used to race it and the engine at times feels sort of jolty when at lower RPMs, I know that's normal for first gear but 2, 3, 4, 5 are the same way too especially when I am in traffic and let off the gas and go back on it the engine will jolt.

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Sunday, October 24th, 2021 AT 11:29 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi,

If there is excessive play, replacing the bearings should take care of it unless the cam is worn that badly. Even then, it would be easier to do than replace the engine, but that would be your call. I can help with either direction you want to go.

Since it was raced, do you know if the cam was changed to a high-performance one?

Joe