I recieved a call from my 19 year old son last night saying he was having car problems - he said that the car sounded like a belt slapping something. When I arrived I asked if he had checked the oil - he said it was a little low. Well it took 3 1/2 quarts. After adding the oil I had him start the car. It sounded okay (no adnormal noise) until he started to add revs. At about 1800 RPMs the engine sarted to produce a knocking noise like a rod bearing execpt he appears to be coming from the upper engine. As he added RPMs the noise got loader and quicker. My question: Is there much of a chance that the noise could be timing belt related ( 85,000 on the odometer)or has he ruined the engine. Thanks

 

Unfortunately, my guess would be a destroyed engine. It's unlikely to be the timing belt, thought you can inspect it by removing the valve cover and then the upper timing belt cover (see 01 Civic service manual at the link in my signature).

 

Valvetrain?