I have a 99 Civic EX Man Trans with about 175000 KMs on it and recently I noticed when starting to drive it in first gear after just starting it up when it gets up to about 2500-3000 RPM I can hear a very distinct clicking noise comming from the engine and I am wondering what this could be? Is it bad spark plugs or normal or any other input would be great. It does go away once the engine warms up but I am still concerned about it.

 

If the noise is coming from the top of the engine, then you are probably hearing the valves tapping. You may be able to fix this problem by adjusting the valve clearance. It's most efficient to do this job when you replace the timing belt.

 

Blinky,

I have a 1996 civic with a what sounds to be the same noise. It's got 175K on it like yours also. It taps in the morning or after the engine has cooled off but goes away in a few minutes. I suspect it to be one of two things as I have adjusted my valves without any change. Plus it's not a valve sound anyway. It either a piston pin with a little slop in it, either endplay or bearing wear or it's a piston skirt slap. I ran it by the dealership here and they told me the exact same thing. Seems it's a problem they have seen before with the generation engine with high miles. However, it could tap for a very long time without much change or any damage. I watch mine for a worsening condition and may someday dive into the engine but not right now. Changing to a different weight oil will not help so don't bother. Good thing is the 1.5 (replacement) jap import engines are pleantifull and pretty cheap should you ever need one. Hope that helps.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

I get a similar 'lifter tap sound' when starting the motor cold, but it goes away after reaching operating temp. These engines are known for this, and I wouldn't be worried (unless you hear it all the time after reaching operating temp).

 

I also read that valve tap from a cold engine can be due to drainage of engine oil from the head into the oil pan with time, leaving little oil in the head. Hence, when the engine is first started, you hear valve tap until sufficient oil is pumped back up to the head. I also read that certain oil filters have a valve that prevents the oil in the head from draining to the pan. What I am not sure about, however, is whether or not all oil filters actually have such a valve. Anyone know?