1994 Civic tapping???

Now that it's getting colder in Oklahoma, I'm noticing that my 1994
Civic with 159k is starting to make small tapping sounds when started
in the morning. I just changed the oil and filter with Castol Syntec
10W-30 300 miles ago, so I don't think that it's an oil problem. Any
ideas? I thought it might be valves, but it goes away within 30
seconds or so. This is when it hasn't even dropped below freezing yet,
it was only 42 degrees today. Thanks all!!!

Nate

 

10w-30 seems thick for your climate.

 

You didn't say, so we're guessing you've had a valve adjustment recently
? Piston slap is worse in cold weather, but sounds deaper than the
noise you're describing...

'Curly'

--------------------------

 

Nate,
I'd bet $1,000 that your problem is "piston slap."

Do a search on this on this and other forums. It's loud at initial
start-up then quiets down after about 3-5 minutes of running. This
gets worse the colder it is outside.

It's annoying but not fatal. Some oils like Pennzoil High Mileage
Vehicle will minimize this ... but that stuff is a little on the thick
side in each given weight.

Red Line Oil in 5W30 seems to be quiet too. Mobil 1 seems to be the
loudest.

Do a search on this forum for more info:

http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi

--- Bror Jace

 

10W-30 is recommended in the owner's manual for 0F and up, with 5W-30
for everything below that. I don't know that I can remember the last
time it's gotten below 0 here in Oklahoma City. Granted, wind chill
drops below that all the time in January, but actual temp, almost
never. As far as the valve adjustments, I went to Johann's Hondura in
August, the ONLY place to go other than the dealer (according to about
7 testimonials) and asked them to check my AC, flush my radiator, and
do a valve adjustment. I was told that the AC looked good, the coolant
was good for another 15k according to their testing, and the valves
did not need adjusting, that it "sounds like it's only got 50k on it."
They charged me $35 for labor and freon. Normally, when a mechanic
won't do something you specifically ask him to because he doesn't
think you need it, I take that as a sign of an honest mechanic. Maybe
I should go back and insist on the valve adjustment.

Nate

 

Likely your just getting piston slap, but 5w30 will be fine year round for
your engine. When/if it gets colder, the tapping will last longer. Just
drive easy on the car till tapping goes away as car warms up.

IF the tapping doesn't go away, then start worrying!!!!!!!

Tapping in Ohio, where it gets cold once in a while!!

--
Charles Tague
93 Honda Civic DX HB
1.6L SOHC VTEC 14.85 @ 89 mph,1.98 60 ft.
With ZEX 85 hp ZEX 13.09 @ 103 mph, 1.81 60ft.
86 Pontiac Trans Am
225/50/15 GForce Drag Radials
305 peanut cammed 15.29 @ 88 mph
http://home.cinci.rr.com/mistab0ne/