Can timing belt service change engine noise?

[Shaun Ray]

A few days ago, I had t/b and w/p service performed on my '95 NSX. Driving it last night, I noticed a subtle change in the pitch of the engine. The sound is either more of a breathing sound or some higher pitch whine related to belts. I'll probably take the car back to the shop, but was curious if anyone could attest to the fact that new t/b belt (+ other belts) can in fact cause the engine to sound slightly different?

 

[Larry Bastanza]

How does the car idle? Does it seem to have full power? If it sounds throaty like a V8 at idle, maybe a little down on power, then the rear exhaust cam is probably off a tooth. I have never really had a sound change, as in added whine, when changing a timing belt.

I always use a new timing belt, water pump, and tensioner pulley assy.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Shaun Ray]

Hi Larry!

The idle is fine and the power is as good or even improved compared to before I had the car in the shop. Got to believe all new parts were used (I know I paid list for them!). Can't say the car has a more throaty sound. It just has a different characteristic than before. You just get used to the sound a car makes, and when there is a shift in that sound, it registers.

I guess I'll just take the car back to the dealership, explain my concern. Hopefully they'll listen to the engine, tell me there is nothing to worry about, and be kind enough not to say I'm crazy (at least untill I've left the garage).

-s

 

[fkong777]

My car sounded better after t-belt change.. idle and run smoother too. However I had the valve adjustment done on the same ticket.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Shaun,

Sounds like it is probably OK. I know sometimes we listen a little too hard after work is done.

Good Luck, based on your additional info it sounds like the job was done correctly.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[NSXVURGIN]

I really don't have an answer, actually I have a question.

I just bought a NSX, 92 Rd/Blk. All serivces have been done, have receipts from previous owner. The car had it's T/B and W/P replaced around 70.000 and now has 81.000miles.

When the RPMs are low around 2-3,000 and I'm putting around, come to a stop , I here a small ticking. Oil pressure gauge also swings with RPMs .

Is this normal NSX stuff?

80mph- 5th gear- 3,000-4,000 rpms oil pressure up
20mph- 1st-2nd gear-3,000rpms oil pressure low....

 

[Larry Bastanza]

The ticking is either the fuel injectors(more common on 1997 + cars, their fuel injectors seem to be louder), or valves. No a big worry, the car has a "solid lifter" type valve train(actually cam followers, with a mechnical screw adjustment) so they do tick a bit. If they are ticking accessively they are probably a little loose and could use adjustment, but loose is better then tight.


HTH,
LarryB

 

[NSXVURGIN]

Thanx Larry....these cars are amazing, what a learning curve!!

 

[zomby woof]

just had my timing belt, water pump, & valve adjustment services a few months ago. the new belt provides a slight whirring sound at first (which has always been normal on my other vehicles), but it has since subsided. also, after valve adjustment, the valve tick actually got a little louder, which is also normal. the tick goes away under acceleration, when the engine is loaded.

don't forget there's also a bunch of "lost-motion" VTEC gizmo's in the valvetrain, which contribute to tick, and idle noise.

 

[mrbone]

if the tension on the timing belt is not proper it can caused a whine. The timing belt rubbing the timing cover can also cause noise. improper drive belt tension can cause noise. Beleive it or not a loose timing belt can cause knock like a rod
knock. Ive done several nsx timing belts and literaly hundreds of honda timing belt/water pump replacements.

 

[Jeff A]

When I had my T-Belt job done recently, the dealer removed the engine from the car to do it. So he disconnected and reconnected the exhaust system. If they don't get it back just the way it was, it can affect the sound. I had some funky exhaust system connections that were not put back the same (not really his fault, it was messed up to begin with), so the sound was affected.

 

[Shaun Ray]

"Slight Whirring Sound".......that is a much better description than what I was trying for. Thanks Z.W.!

I think I'll just let it go a week before taking it in. I'll just give the dealership a call to let them know I have a concern but that I want to wait before bringing it in.

Also, thank you Larry for your comment. I probably am over listening! (great grammar, huh?)

 

[Shaun Ray]

Just an update on this thread that I finally brought my NSX back to the dealership to ask about the higher pitch sound after replacing the t/b and w/p. Their conclusion was that the replacement was just fine and I might have noticed a higher pitch due to a tighter belt. Over time, the belt might loosen a little and the pitch will be less noticeable.

Sounds logical to me. Defininitely no problems with the car so I'll just go my happy way.

Also, I had a cam seal replaced but noticed a drip in the garage. Turns out I learned a lesson about where to (or where not to) take my car for oil change. The oil filter had a very slow leak They changed the oil/filter and all is fine (no drip). Very good service, taking me to the car on lifts and showing me just where the drip is coming from and that an aftermarket filter was the culprit. I think I'll definitely go to the dealership across town from now on for oil changes.

NSX Rules!

 

[timothyaw]

Thanks for the update. It's always good to go to a COMPETENT Acura dealership for service. And ALWAYS use OEM products!