Hello,

I have a 98 Civic HX 1.6L, 5 speed. Lately when when the engine is cold, I hear a clicking noise, if i rev the engine slightly the clicking increases at the same rate. But once the engine has warmed, the clicking stops. This started about a month ago.

It does not sound like it's a bearing, I'm wondering if it might be a clogged oil pump, but if it was the oil pump, wouldn't the car overheat?

Any Ideas?

 

I don't know if its the same, but it happened to my motorcycle. One of my plug wires was bad and wouldn't hold on to the plug cap. The clicking was the spark jumping, but when it warmed up the idle increased and it stopped clicking. But I could see the spark still jumping, it was just constant, so there was no longer clicking of its jumps. Like I said its probably not the same, but thats my two cents.

 

Is the engine oil low?

Is the low oil pressure warning light ON?

The noise could also be the valves. You might adjust the valve clearance.

 

^yea, Honda engines' valves have a tendency to make a clicking/ticking sound

 

+1 on that!!!

My EX is noisy when cold...... When I get the timing belt done(about another 15K), Im gonna have them adjust the valve lash.
Our cars dont have hydraulic lifter type systems, so they need adjustment a few times in their lifetime.

 

Yea i adjusted mine about a week ago; it seemed to help a lot with the noise.

 

Redo the valve lash. Er, rather, have someone else do the valve lash, it's kind of a tricky thing to do.

 

I did mine when I replaced my timing belt. It definitely does require some time for you to become confident with the feeler gauge settings and that you are adjusting the correct rocker arms for each of the corresponding four TDC piston positions. Nonetheless, it is a very doable job if you are careful and patient.