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HI!, New here, and so far love the site!
Just bought a 2004 civic, 5 speed, 1.7L,
love the car.
Unfortunately, like most cars, after I have bought them, and get it home,
I begin to get the 'real story' of how it is running, issues etc...
The car runs outright no problems as far as driving, right up to 70 perfect, doesnt seem to be a problem until I lift the hood.
Best described as, small chicks after hatched (if you have ever
heard that sound). In the area of the right side, near the belts, but
not towards front Id say, cause thought maybe altenater, but can tell
its not there. So behind front,and altenater towards firewall about dead center right side belt area, lower than top of motor.
Info was, guy burned the first motor up (wife, no oil issue), second motor
was installed, used with 80K miles, and while it was being done, he had mechanic replace timing belt, and water pump since it was easier to do then. I can tell the belts are new, brand new looking as a matter of fact. Noise is there
when ac is off, or on.
Like I said just sounds like a couple little chicks churpin away, but not a screeching sound like when you hear belts slipping loudly. This is more suttle, but there constantly.
Any help would be appreciated! Thankyou
Matt

 
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Long shot as it's hard to tell exactly from your description, but is it near the AC compressor? There is a little plate on the compressor (mine anyway) and it jiggles like mad and makes a serious racket. Plan to get to it one of these days.

Buy a $10 stethoscope at autozone and maybe you can get a more specific location...?

 
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thanks, will try the stethescope idea and check air compressor, and will post outcome when I find out exactly what prob is to help.

 
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See if alternator belt tension is within specs. If you dont have instrument, just try tightening alternator belt and then see !

Another way to rule this out is to take off alt belt and hearing if noise is still there. (however it is generally not recommended to run engine from battery power alone)

Third Thing (mine first), if it aint broken, dont fix it ! if car runs fine and you can bear that noise, leave it alone ! 40-50 % of DIYers end up creating problems for self once in while. Me included !

 
Rep Power: 211

does it sound like its coming from the big plastic black cover on the side of the engine?

that area (the area you are describing) is the timing area, so it could be the timing belt, timing belt tensioner, water pump, or a bearing in that area,

these items are all located under the black plastic timing cover, so there would be no way to tell if the guy is being truthful when he said they were changed, as you can not see these items without removing the timing cover,

a problem/failure in the timing area can cause VERY SERIOUS engine damage, i would NOT continue driving this car without getting this fixed,

good luck

 
Rep Power: 0

thanks again for the help.
wanted to post what I believe is the cause of noise.
I bought a $2 bottle of lubricant and started to spray near pulleys
to see what would happen.
When I sprayed right behind the alternator at pulley, trying not to get the
belt lubricated, the noise immediately stopped.
Unfortunately, it came back 10 mins later. Sprayed again and it went away. Came back again.
SO atleast now I have figured out it is the alternator, thank god, atleast its not the timing belt.