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Heya,

So my 2002 LX has definite valve noise. I'm at almost 10000 miles. Its more noticeable on startup (the engine is cold and clearances are larger), but even when its warmer I can hear the valves when I put a load on the engine (accelerate). No I am not the nicest person to my car, but I don't really hit the gas all the time either. The maual says to have valve clearances inspected at 110,000 miles or when noisy. I got a mailing from my dealership and they recommend having them checked every 15000 miles (more money for them). I didn't hear the valves at all when it was new then at maybe 2000 miles I could kinda hear them now and then. Now I know this isnt normal, so I want to know if anyone else has experienced this. Or, if you could keep this in mind next time you drive your civic. I'm going to goto the dealership and see what they say. Maybe, just maybe I can pull warranty on them and have them adjust them for free. Actually it probably isnt that hard. All the you need is a set of feeler guages and a screwdriver. But I really don't feel like going through the work of taking the valve cover off, and of course they are the pros. Ok, I'm done now...

 
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I have a 2 door LX and I have the same problem...Let me know what the dealer says.[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

 
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man good excuse to get a VTEC head and ECU on tha LX

 
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Is it that sound you hear when you stomp on it at low RPMs?

 
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If you decide to check the valves yourself, make sure you do it in the morning while your car is dead cold. The valves will expand a lot as they get hotter.

If you take it to the dealership, I'd advise you to leave it there overnight and tell them to do it first thing in the morning when the car is dead cold. Because if you don't, some technician might 'cool' the engine down putting a fan over your engine head (with the valve cover off) for about 45 mins. to cool it down before adjusting the valves. This is not the recommended procedure (Honda's support line is ALWAYS bjtching at technicians for doing this) because the engine is still not dead cold, but it IS a business and technicians are paid by how much work they get accomplished in a given amount of time.

Personally, I would like to inspect and fix things the right and proper way. But try telling a waiting customer that he/she has to wait a few hours for their 65k maintenance service (including valve adjustment), and you'll see what I'm talking about.