Car: 1994 Honda Civic DX Sedan w/147k miles.

When cold and idleing the valves do not seem to ping... but as soon as I apply any gas whatsoever I get a valve pinging sound until the car warms up to normal operating temperature. No matter what the outside temperature is, it will do it for at least a minute or two after the car starts.

The car seems to idle fine and doesn't seem to idle surge or rev really high or rough, it is mostly smooth -- even when cold.

Once the car is warm, I have never heard the noise so far but I've only owned the car for about 3k miles. Any ideas? -Jim

 

Hi Jim,

Have you had the valves adjusted at all? This might help it out. It might not even be the valves, a tank of bad gas will also cause the engine to make "ping" sounds- Brock

 

Pretty sure its not the gas... I buy from different places almost weekly. I run it down to about a 1/4 tank or so maybe a bit less each time...

As for having the valves adjusted, I may wait and take it into honda when I get the clutch, flywheel and thet bearings replaced + all new belts.

I'm personally thinking that the valves/springs are maybe worn out ... it does have 147k on it so maybe its time to find a newer d15b7 head for the car or get some new valve springs?

I hate to throw money around since its sparse for me and I don't really don't have an in-depth knowledge with cars.

Does anyone think picking up a low mileage head would be worth it? or should I just do the minimum to tie me over till I can get a b16 like I really want... I'd say the engine swap would be purchased and hopefully installed in a year or less from now.

Thank you for your advice,
Jim