hey, on my 1997 Honda Accord Ex V6 i hear this ticking. it starts when i turn on the engine (cold) and lasts for about 2 minutes and goes away. i dont know what it is. i changed the oil like 4-5 months ago. could that be a problem?

 

anyone?

 

Does your car take 5W20 or 30? I've seen a similar issue when 5W30 is used in a 5W20 car. Also, if you put your car info in a signature via your profile, more people will chime in to help you.

 

Is it rhythmic with the engine speed? (lifters)
Or is it random timing? (exhaust getting hot & creaking)

 

Can you tell where it is coming from? Pop the hood before you crank it, then crank it and look for the source of the sound. It's tough to diagnose a sound without either hearing it, or knowing where it is coming from.
From your description it could be anything from the ABS modulator, to a fan motor, to something internal.

 

well it comes from the front of the engine near the grille. when i start the car i dont hear anything, but after about 1-2 minutes it starts off very quiet and gets louder. after about 2 mins the sound completely goes away. when the sound goes away it sounds like the ac compressor kicks in and the rpm's drop a little (this is normal). what kind of oil do you guys suggest for my 1997 Honda Accord EX-R V6?

 

Either 5w30 or 10w30 (depending on how hot or cold it is where you live). I use 10w30 here in MS cause it is hot most of the year round and rarely gets below 30. I don't believe Honda recommended 5w20 till the 98 & newer models.

Can you pop the hood and see if you can tell if it is coming from one of the fans? Is the clicking sound there when the a/c is off?

 

yes the sound is there when the ac is off. i think its coming from the front valve cover or i could be wrong lol. i live in ottawa canada so its cold here in winters. i think the problem is that the oil in the engine has no viscosity left bacause i didnt have much time in changing it in the last 4-5 months. im going to try putting in some mobil 1 5W-30 and see if it gets better.

 

Ok so that probably rules out a faulty fan motor.I would try the oil change first. It sounds like it needs it anyway. Use 5w30.

 

Wait a minute....could it possibly be a clogged PCV valve. The PCV valve is supposed to make a clicking sound when pinched. It is in the valve cover. Have you replaced your PCV valve yet?(recommended every 30k miles I think - it's cheap)