Rattling Noise

2008 HONDA ACCORD
149,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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PGUDIVDA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi, my car makes a rattling noise when I start from a stop to twenty five and noise disappears on highway drive. I showed it to dealer while I went for an regular oil change after 8000 miles drive (highway miles, oil life indicator showed 40% left) and they said engine (timing chain) has gone bad and engine needs replacement. After oil change noise disappeared and its running smooth. What might be the reason for the noise appearing and disappearing? Does it need engine replacement or a dealer ripoff?

Thanks for your time.
Apr 16, 2017 at 5:38 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,200 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
What you are hearing is the timing chain tensioner. The thinner oil prior to the change wasn't pressurizing the tensioner fully so you heard the timing chain rattle.
The best thing to do would be to take it to an independent shop, or call a few. Ask them about changing the timing chain and tensioner for your engine. With the mileage you have it's on borrowed time and changing it now would cost far less than if it fails and damages the valves and heads.
Apr 19, 2017 at 10:24 PM
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