Hi everyone I am new here and I really need some assistance. I have a 2011 Accord 3.5l with 88k miles on it. The engine seemed to get louder over the past few months. It would tap as if it were low on oil but only for a few seconds. The oil is changed regularly by Honda and I check it also it’s not low. Recently the noise has gotten louder and continues to tap getting louder and faster as I press the gas. It’s loud enough people look at me when I drive by. If I let the car warm up in the drive way for 5 or 10 minutes it will stop. The best way I can describe the sound is almost like when my old 68 mustang had sticking hydraulic lifters. I know my car doesn’t have those but that is the closest thing I could think of to describe the sound. I saw many posts and YouTube videos about the TSB 09-010 but they all happened right at startup and didn’t continue to tap like mine does. I work only 1 mile from my house so when I pull in to the parking lot at work it’s still tapping loud. One of my employees asked me the other morning if I ever change my oil and it made me mad because I always check and change my oil. I will post a video of my car. I really appreciate any help or advice.

 

Here is the video. It sounds really bad

 

Sounds are tough to pinpoint on video.

If you have the tools, I'd say remove the serpentine belt and start the engine cold. If you still have the noise, then you eliminated all the components the belt drives.

If you have the noise with the belt removed, then I'd suspect a loose valve. You have to remove the valve cover and use feeler gauges to measure the valve clearance. The engine has to be cold to measure the valve clearance. Have you ever done a valve adjustment?

 

I have never done a valve adjustment on this car but I have done it before on a different vehicle so I know how but haven't on this car

 

There is a good video from ericthecarguy on youtube on how to do the valve adjustment on a honda. I'd recommend measuring the gap on all the valves. You may also want to look at the valve springs to see if one is possibly broken?

 

Cold piston slap