I have a 1999 Honda Accord LX with the LEV VTEC (5spd). It has 123500 on the odometer and i was wondering if it was normal for the engine to tap or knock when the engine is cold. Once the engine warms up to operating temperature its as queit as mouse. But when its cold sometimes (it only does it at certain times, like when its really, really cold, and it only does it around 700-1250/1350RPM) it sounds like a rod bearing is going but it goes away, but it almost sounds to fast to be a rod at an idle so maybe i just need a valve adjustent. I spun a rod in my first car so i know what that (i beat that car) sounds like and i have not beat on my honda at all. i love my accord. i just want to know if there is anything i need to worry about. I run CASTROL SYNTEC 10w30 and do oil changes evrey 2700-3000 miles and the oil is clear every time i check it. I am just worried that the previous owner neglected the car. any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

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SORRY I FORGOT TO ADD THAT I LIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA AND ITS ABOUT 29 TO 49 DEGREES THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND THE COLDEST IN THE MORNING WHEN I START IT AND LET IT RUN BEFORE I LEAVE. IT DOESNT DO AS LOUD WHEN ITS WARM OUT. THANKS A LOT

 

Knock = destruction

You might want to get that checked out.

 

First change to a 5W30 or 0W30 oil and see if the cold start noise continues. 10W is a bit much for the cold winters where you live.

 

That sounds like you need a valve adjustment. The noise is most likely valve lash and it goes away once it is warmed up. As far as oil weight, I don't see a problem with using 10w30 but the Honda recomended oil weight is 5w30 for that year and engine. A rod knock would get worse as the car warmed up and much worse as the revs increase. Had that happen on my buddies 89 prelude. I would do the valve adjustment and see what it is like then. Let us know and good luck.

 

Thanks a lot. that makes me feel so much better because i thought it was a bearing problem. ill do the valve adjustment asap and hopefully it will take the noise away.