I tried doing a search, but my particular case didn't seem to be covered.

My engine is knocking when I start it in the morning. It's not really there at idle, but when i accelerate it gets louder as the RPMs increase. Once the car warms up it goes away and then seems to be fine for the rest of the day.

I've heard this can be carbon build up, but to be honest I don't have a clue.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks.

 

try higher octane fuel, or fuel injector cleaner

 

ticking or knocking? could be a valve adjustment issue

 

kind of like ticking. the colder the engine, the louder the noise.

its not a heavy noise like a knock, i guess, if thats what you mean. it'a light noise but can be loud. if that makes sense.

thanks for the advice B.

 

Hi,

Im new here and was just looking up the same issue with my car,
Im experienceing the same thing as you.
In the morning or when the engine is cold theres a repetative Ticking that sound very much like, for lack of anything better to refer it to, 2 pens tapping together. It lasts only for about 3 to 5 min until the engine is warm. Its not loud but very agrivating.

From what Ive been told (and Im no expert and this may be inaccurate) its happens to civics made between 96 - 2000 where the pistons (aluminum) shrink due to the cold creating a gap with the steel cylinder wall, the piston is then able to move side to side within the cylinder and the piston skirt smacks the cylinder wall making the sound until the piston head warms up and the gap is reduced to a point where it should be.

Im trying to find out if I need the engine replaced or not? Of course the Honda dealership wants me to check that route but I've been told by other mechanics that as long as you let your engine warm up and don't push it till its warm the vehicle won't experience significant engine wear.

Soooo... thats All I know about that.... hope it helps
If anyone has any further insight and is experienceing the same thing please let me know I could use some advice.

 

that for sure is valve adjustment..... two pens tapping togeher is an excellent description of out-of-spec valves. see, we use manual adjustment as opposed to hydraulic adjustment... for one they allow higher RPM and are cheaper to maintain. all you need is a quick adjustment and that's it!! no big deal!