1996 Civic engine knocking

1996 Civic DX Coupe 77K

I have noticed a knocking noise from the engine at 35-40 mph.

No loss of power or gas mileage, just a strange
"chugga-chugga-nok-nok-nok" at 35-40 mph. Its not very loud, but
notciable.

Any guesses? Clogged injectors?

Last major service was at 60K (rotor/distcap/plugs/wires..etc)

Any help appreciated.

Thank you all.

-Slim

 

Sounds like a timing problem, carbon deposits or cheap gas. Run a tank of
premium through it and see if the problem goes away. If it does then you
know you have pinging. The Brits call it "pinking".

Cheers,

Earle

 

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See what the owner's manual says about how fast you can go before
shifting. Try splitting the difference and I expect your knocking will
go away. (interpretation: don't 'lug' it. Stay in lower gears until
you're at highway speed)

'Curly'

 

Thanks, but its an Auto.

The problem happens when I am coasting at 35-40 and hit the gas lightly.

I followed Earls advice and filled up with premium ($3.45 in NYC) and
drove it for three hours on the thruway...seems to be a lot less noise
now. I will go through a few tanks of premium in the hope this will
clear up.

Thanks again!

-Slim

 

Thanks! I ran for three hours on the thruway after filling up with
premium and it makes less of a noise now. I will run two more tanks of
premium though and see whay happens.

Thanks! ;-)

-Slim

 

The premium won't fix it. I just suggested it for diagnostic purposes.
There is a timing problem or transmission problem involved here. Have an
experienced Honda mechanic look at it. Hopefully, you can convince them
that you want to take him along for a test drive. Then you can tell him
right when it happens.

Earle