Hi! I have a '94 CX hatch with the D15B7 engine(its a Canadian model), and when I start it up in the morning it knocks. Not like bearing knock, more like a really loud ticking, similar to a diesel engine at idle and it quiets down once the car has been running for a few minutes. Any idea if this is a serious noise, or just the characteristic Honda sewing machine tick?

 

Sounds like valve noise. You should be able to get rid of most of it by adjusting the valves.

 

okay, makes sense. from what i know valve noise isnt an immediate threat to the wellbeing of my engine, right?

 

My mechanic told me the same thing. I have a 2000 Civic LX

He said, let the car warm up for a few minute. He also suggested 10W40 oil. My valve gap is set properly. In pre 2001 Civics this is a common occurance. My mechanics exact words were, don't waste $600 to get it fixed, the cars runs perfect, just warm it up

 

I had(still have) this problem with my 88. But she's so busted i didn't bother to adjust them. I assume thats what it is. 341k on her. I assume that would put them outta adjustment. But i've put 20k on it "acting up" like that and i don't see a problem with it.

 

Totally. Once the oil starts flowing, it shuts up and stops sounding like a typewriter. It has gotten better since I added some oil and the weather has warmed up. You shoulda heard it when it was freezing cold out, it sounded like the valves were about to come flying through the hood

 

adjust the valve lash(screw and nut on rockers)

 

I know. I thought there was something horribly wrong with the car. My mechanic said, not to worry, it's a common honda tick. He said, plus i found info on this site, that people have gotten 200k+ of of their cars

 

oh yeah, this one has 252+k on it, and ive seen hondas around here with over 400k on them. they really are incredibly reliable cars. im planning on giving this car the tlc it deserves and rebuild it into a turbo VTEC monster at some point in the future

 

Simple Fact: Honda rules