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Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 8:40 pm
by Angelbroken
Hey guys - Long time no see!

So thanks to all the support I got here learning to drive standard - I've been happily enjoying my 1997 Honda Prelude.

Untilll now - :oops:

Within the past week - Ive noticed a peculiar sound that was not there before. It's difficult to explain - But it sounds like a constant rattling. The sound is similar to spinning a bicycle wheel and putting a stick against the spokes as it spins. The sound matches the engine revs. For example, if Im sitting in the parking at idle, you can just slightly hear it. (Around 1K). As I rev the engine up, the sound becomes more louder / apparent.

The sound is VERY noticeable during accelerations before shifting. (Since I usually shift at 3 - 3.5K)

Oh and here's the worse news - I'm dirt poor at the moment -_-

Any ideas on what to do? I'm planning to take it to a mechanic this week to fix it becuase I'd hate for something to happen.

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 8:49 pm
by IMBoring25
Does it speed up and slow down with engine speed or vehicle speed?

Does it change or go away when you put the clutch in?

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 8:54 pm
by Angelbroken
IMBoring25 wrote:Does it speed up and slow down with engine speed or vehicle speed?

Does it change or go away when you put the clutch in?
The sound of the rattling doesn't seem to get quicker, it seems to just get louder and more noticeable - almost like something is vibrating really bad.

Well the sound only happens when the engine is revving. So if I rev the engine with the clutch in, the sound is still there.

However when I was driving and testing it out - 3K in gear, makes a louder 'rattle' then 3K in neutral / coasting with the clutch in.

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 9:02 pm
by IMBoring25
I could easily believe loose exhaust from that description.

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 9:05 pm
by Angelbroken
IMBoring25 wrote:I could easily believe loose exhaust from that description.
That's what my dad said when I gave him a call. (Back home he owns a shop where he does auto and tire work)

I should also say that performance of the car - acceleration, speed, clutch sensitivity are all unaffected. Its just a really annoying sound.

Any ideas on how to get it fixed? Or how much an auto shop might charge?

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 9:52 pm
by IMBoring25
If it is a loose exhaust there's a chance it's within the capabilities of a friend with a welder.

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 11:45 pm
by bk7794
does it happen when the engine is cold?

I am betting it could be valve train. My civic has very loud valve noise when the engine is cold. So loud it sounds like its going to throw a rod.

Can try to adjust the valves to see if that helps.

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2012 12:33 am
by potownrob
could be a loose or broken heat shield. i remember tearing off one of the shields on my 94 civic and maybe also on my maxima. the sound sounds like the car's dying, but it's a simple rattle.

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2012 7:48 am
by theholycow
Another vote for catalytic converter heat shield. It seems to be the most common diagnosis for rattles like that.

You can visually inspect your entire exhaust system yourself. Drive onto a curb or some planks to give yourself room to crawl under, grab the exhaust (while it's cold!), and try to rattle it, see if it's hitting stuff or if you hear the rattle. If you can do it safely, crawl under while it's idling to try to find it. If not, hold a short hose to your ear and use the other end to try to locate the rattle (you could even have someone slip the clutch while the parking brake is on and the wheels are chocked to make it louder).

Depending on how broke you are and if you don't have a friend with a welder, there are options for quelling an exhaust rattle at home.

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2012 8:25 pm
by bk7794
theholycow wrote:Another vote for catalytic converter heat shield. It seems to be the most common diagnosis for rattles like that.

You can visually inspect your entire exhaust system yourself. Drive onto a curb or some planks to give yourself room to crawl under, grab the exhaust (while it's cold!), and try to rattle it, see if it's hitting stuff or if you hear the rattle. If you can do it safely, crawl under while it's idling to try to find it. If not, hold a short hose to your ear and use the other end to try to locate the rattle (you could even have someone slip the clutch while the parking brake is on and the wheels are chocked to make it louder).

Depending on how broke you are and if you don't have a friend with a welder, there are options for quelling an exhaust rattle at home.
I just can't see that rattling faster as the engine rpms rise. But then again could be.

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2012 8:52 pm
by theholycow
bk7794 wrote:I just can't see that rattling faster as the engine rpms rise. But then again could be.
I could, but OP said this anyway:
Angelbroken wrote:
IMBoring25 wrote:Does it speed up and slow down with engine speed or vehicle speed?
The sound of the rattling doesn't seem to get quicker, it seems to just get louder and more noticeable - almost like something is vibrating really bad.

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2012 9:39 pm
by bk7794
I missed that, I thought it said "it did"

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:37 pm
by Rope-Pusher
theholycow wrote:
bk7794 wrote:I just can't see that rattling faster as the engine rpms rise. But then again could be.
I could, but OP said this anyway:
Image
"A dog limped into a bar and said "I'm lookin' fur the man that shot muh Paw""

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2012 8:37 pm
by Angelbroken
Well guys thanks for all the advice - I'll probably be taking it into the shop this weekend if they have an opening -

Performance wise the car seems fine, the rattling is still there - and hasn't gotten any worse or better over the last 2 weeks. So hopefully all thats wrong is just the exhaust shield like everyone has been telling me.

Re: Recent problem - Rattling sound as engine revs.

Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 8:49 pm
by Rope-Pusher
^ You're ready to pay good money for someone else to fickset?

Click and Clack say you should strap a friend onto the hood of the car and have them listen to where the noise is coming from. If it's from below the car,....
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YufiGDF5GJE[/youtube]