Hi,

We have a sort of ongoing clicky noise when we start up our 1992 Civic. It only happens when the engine is cold and then goes away. I've read all over the forums, andthis seems to be a quirk that a number of others havetoo.

A person we know suggested that changing the oil might help the click. That maybe the valves are a bit gunky or something. He actually suggested some sort of more detergenty diesel oil (which I thought was a bit weird). But he also suggested a full synthetic oil. Reading through the forums, there seems to be a difference of opinion as to whether or not it's a good thing to put a full synthetic into a Civic with our kind of mileage (208,000 kms.). But synthetic blends (like the Castrol Syntec blend) seem to be popular. But is it so that using a different oil might help this sound? Does anyone have that experience?

The Hans

 

It might. I don't think it hurts to change into synthentic. And describe the clicking and where its coming from?

 

It goes click-click-click really fast and only when the car is cold and only when you give it some gas. In other words, you don't hear it at all in idle. At least I think it's a click. And it goes away after driving for a couple of hundred metres -- a bit more or less depending on how cold it is. A guy on another thread describes what sounds like the same thing:

https://www.hondacivicforum.com/m_362987/tm.htm

The Hans

 

In that case:

Check under the car and around the engine for anything loose. If it sounds like metal to metal check the heat shields. Specifically, the heat shield under the car that covers the exhaust. I checked mine and found two rusted up bolts and the heat shield was banging up against everythin and anything.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, but since the sound stops after 100 metres or so I doubt it's something like that. I'm still wondering, though, if a different oil might help if the engine's a bit gunked up. And I wondered if synthetic or a synthetic blend is better for a 1992 Civic.

The Hans

 

It might be the fuel injectors that make that clicking noise.

 

i would be willing to bet it is your valve lash, it just needs to be adjusted, all u need is a 10mm wrench , a flat head screwdriver and a feeler gauge set. the gap is prolly too big, but when it warms up and expands it goes away

 

possibly an exhaust leak at the manifold??

 

It is valve lash and time for the fresh coat of lube to get to the top.

 

Yoda has spoken, valve lash it is! ....sorry, I had too......