[forcefive]

Hey,
I posted a few months ago saying i had a rattling/tapping noise from the engine. My stepday (whose had his 91 LS since new) took a look at it and says "Sounds like the lifters need to be replaced". It makes this noice between 1-2k rpm, and im guessing does it all the time, i just cant hear it at higher rpms. If it is the lifters, how critical of a problem is this? Ive driven 5000 miles with this problem and it doesnt get any louder.... the acceleration seems fine although gas mileage seems to suffer a bit. I also need a tune up and a new tranny mount.... anyone have a guess as to what this will all cost? The heat shield is loose too.......... i cant stand driving such a beautiful coupe with all these noises...........
MD

 

[KNLNGUS]

If you are near Woodbridge, VA - I do the labor for a rear trans mount for $30 and a beer or two.

Take your vehicle to a mechanic who has worked on Legends before - your labor should run about 1 hour - but the swap takes maybe 30 minutes total.

BTW - the heat shields can be removed, or if the holes in the heat shield are rusted through then a mechanic could braze a new piece to cover the rotted part... use a large oversized washer or... you could order a new one from Acura of Augusta.

If you are talking about the heatshields that cover the A pipe (closest to the manifold) - they are 15.00 per side.

The rear trans mount is $120.00.

Now, as far as the engine tapping, others... please chime in. Knock sensor?

KNLNGUS

 

[Jetdoc]

I don't believe 3.2's have "lifters". Overhead cam engines eliminate the need for a lifter. You may have a rocker arm not getting enough oil and tapping. The only way to verify it is to remove the valve cover and inspect it. It may just need adjusting(valve adjustment).

Jetdoc

 

[Mckenzie93]

I know its a somewhat common problem on the G1s.... valve ticking... my EX gfs G1 does it. You can buy stuff that claims to calm it down, but it never worked for me on my taurus. I found it to be more annoying than anything. I just got off the phone with Silverhill Acura in Calgary here, and the lifters for a 91LS are 44.76 CDN a peice.... X24 valves = 1076.24CDN for the parts. Labour they said was 7 hrs X $75/hr = $375 CDN + I think you need some new valve cover gaskets as well. So by the time you are all said and done, you are looking at about $1200 US for a valve job.

As for the knock sensors.... that is a good thought. What octane gas are you using? Try to put some premium gas in and see if that calms it down.

 

[Mckenzie93]

I don't believe 3.2's have "lifters". Overhead cam engines eliminate the need for a lifter. You may have a rocker arm not getting enough oil and tapping. The only way to verify it is to remove the valve cover and inspect it. It may just need adjusting(valve adjustment).

Jetdoc

You cannot do a valve adjustment on legends because they are controlled by the ECU. I know you can do it on integras, but not legends. Legends use hydraulic lifters. Thats what I have read....

 

[Jetdoc]

Ok. I found a breakdown of the rocker arm assembly. The lifter or "hydralic tappet" is connected to the rocker arm with an o-ring.

 

[forcefive]

Thanx Everyone.......Esp. Mckenzie for lookin at the prices for me.... Jetdoc, yea my stepdad thought it was the hydraulic lifters that had the problem, but i hope its not. 1200 US sounds about right, its not cheap to have it done. Im just not sure if this is something that needs to be fixed right away. Last night i raced my friend with his 01 Olds Alero and it was a tie even up to 100 mph. Thats sad. I thought they only had like 150 hp.... even though they are much lighter, i should have beaten him..... so i think i may be losin power and now he's going around boasting that american cars are "superior" to our "ghetto" acuras..... [email protected]#$%)(!!!!!!! Do you guys think harm could come to the engine by waiting another month or so to have it fixed?
MD

 

[Mckenzie93]

Thats something I am unsure of..... Ask PSA, LPB, Bigdad, or maybe Dave C or something. I am unfamiliar with what happens if the lifters are left for too long.... sorry..

 

[Jetdoc]

You would not need to replace all the "lifters", just the noisy one. Worst case- this noisy rocker arm has not been getting enough oil and has worn the rocker or cam lobe down enough that it is affecting the distance the valve moves. This will cause that cylinder to "miss" or be "dead". Most noticed at idle. This would require a new camshaft and rocker arm assembly to correct $$$$$. Does it idle smoothe/normal or does it have a "miss".

 

[bigdad]

typically the hydraulic tappets (which fit into the end of the rockers arms over the valve stems) can get a little noisy when they wear and create a little too much internal clearance and don't stay pumped up with oil, kind of like a worn shock might. Or, more often than not a bit of dirt or sludge comprimises the orifices and doesn't allow oil to get in. First step would be to try a bit of oil detergent, like a can of CD2. Run it for 1-2K miles...if it is going to work, it will work by then. Usually it is just one tappet that is the offending noise. You can run a car a long time without damage if it is just "ticking or tapping". You would eventually damage the cam or cam follower or both if the tappet is completely collapsed, but this would make a hell of a racket, a very loud and distinct "rap". You cannot adjust the Gen2 tappets, since they are hydraulic, but replacement is fairly simple once you determine which one is making the noise. If you decide you need to replace, use a long screwdriver as a stethoscope to determine which bank of cyl. it is on. If you can't figure it out, then it isn't worth it....not noisy enough. You will need a new valve cover gasket for what ever side you open up. Slide a .005 or so feeler gauge blade under the tappets one at a time, when it gets quiet, you found the right one. You could try to remove, clean and bleed, but I would just replace it....since it is pretty cheap and if cleaning and bleeding don't work,, you have to start all over again. Tappet sounds will match engine speed, increase as your rpm increase. Usually only can be heard at idle or slightly higher. You can go a long time and other than sounding a little noisy, won't do much damage unless TOTALLY collapsed and for a long time....don't worry. try the CD2 first.

 

[mYbabYLeGend]

Is the transmission mount easy to see? can it be done at home? easy ?