I have a engine ping or knocking sound (kind of like a gurgling metalic) sound from my engine that seems to occur at specific rpm ranges. It has happened on and off, mostly in the summer. The car has 180K, I take it to a trusted mechanic and do all of the 15,000 mile maintenance work recommended by honda, including oil changes every 6k. Before taking it to the mechanic, is there anything cheap I can try? Thanks
This sounds like pinging or as the English like to call it, "pinking". It would depend more on load than rpm. Possible culprits could include too low octane fuel, maladusted timing and carbon deposits in the combustion chambers. If it happens while accelerating, engine speed 2,000-3000 rpm, then that is probably it. The way to tell for sure is to buy a tank of premium, and see if that makes it go away.
The first thing to look at, is whether the octane fuel you are using is up to your car's minimum requirements. My 1999 Civic requires 86 octane, but around here one can buy 85 as "regular". The second thing is to clean the combustion chamber deposits out of your engine. One way is a fine water spray into the intake, while the engine is running, but maybe that is best left to your mechanic.
Earle
This is 100% typical of totally benign resonant rattles and buzzes in the various heat shields that surround the exhaust system components.
Don
-------------------------------
Easiest thing to check is the coolant. If the reservoir looks empty, fill the reservoir to MAX (with engine cold) and see if it is lower the next time the engine is cold. As the cooling system expels air it uses coolant from the reservoir to replace the air. If you fill to max three days in a row it should stop 'using' and you may see your ping goes away. The computer can't set timing and mixture properly when the coolant sensors are surrounded by air. That can cause ping. No tap water BTW.
'Curly'
The manual recommends Honda Genuine Coolant, which came pre-mixed the last time I bought some. If you do your research you should be able to come up with an aftermarket product that is compatible, but I haven't bothered. There are products and mixes that can damage aluminum blocks and heads. If you do find a suitable product that mixes with water, please use distilled or purified water only.
By the way, my Civic came new, in 1999, with green coolant in it. The replacement stuff from the Honda dealer is blue. Comments?
Earle
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.