Rep Power: 0

Working on preparing a 2005 Civic EX for my daughter. I drove this car for a few weeks and it seemed to do well, although we were working on a rough idle problem and also I did experience several times when the engine would turn over but not start (but after waiting a minute, it started right up) and another few times when I turned the engine off and heard a “clunk-clunk”.

The other day, my daughter was driving this car up a hill when it began to make a noise (video file attached). Rattle/knocking noise appears to be coming from the top of the engine and only at around 3000rpms, otherwise at idle sounds fairly normal.

Note: Another thing, the oil seems to be burning, or getting dark very quickly even though we just changed it a month ago.

 
Rep Power: 511

I, uh, won't say it then.

 
Rep Power: 0

Is that what it sounds like?

 
Rep Power: 511

It sounds like it to me. Here's what my 2002 sounded like with rod knock

depending on how long it's been going on, you may see metal specks in the oil

 
Rep Power: 0

Did you replace the engine?

I really want to keep this car. I’ve never had a Civic before and it feels like a good car to me.

 
Rep Power: 511

I did a bottom end swap. I had the luxury of having a spare engine laying around. I previously harvested the head for a head gasket change (to minimize machine shop downtime while the engine was apart), and I swapped in the bottom end to fix the rod knock. Since it had been laying around for a while, I did take that engine apart to clean any crap that had accumulated in the small crevices, inspect the bearings, check clearances, and had a machine shop inspect the block itself (and level the mating surface and cylinder hone if they deemed it necessary).

I enjoyed the hell out of my 2002 civic. I beat the hell out of it and it kept on ticking. If you can find a good engine (or at least a solid bottom end) to swap in and the rest of the car is in good shape, I'd say repair it. Working on Civics is stupidly easy

 
Rep Power: 367

if replacing, be sure to check the engine code
VTEC and non-VTEC will require correct ECU
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...ation-d17.html

At this point in the car life, somebody might have swapped the engine so always better to check.

 
Rep Power: 0

Ok that’s what it is then. But how to find a good engine? I’m considering going to school to learn how to do this thing or atleast know what I’m talking about. I don’t know the history of this engine or whether the top parts are beat up too.

Afterall, I’m just a girl.

But, the spirit is willing…

 
Rep Power: 222

Anyone can learn, girl or not.
potentially you could get a low mileage jdm engine

 
Rep Power: 367

the JDM sellers are all over the internet. The engine code is D17A, VTEC
and before installing always recommended to have some maintenance done (easier when engine out).
Engine seals, timing belt, headgasket, etc.