Strange Engine Sounds

[Sig]

Just bought a 91 black/black several months ago. Never have I smiled so much while driving as I have in the past few months. I have not had any problems, but was curious about the typical engine sound these cars generate. As I don't know any other other owners I have nothing to compare. When driving on quiet residential streets, I hear a fast tapping sound that speeds and slows in accordance to RPMs. You can hear it at idle as well but not as loud. Curious of other's experience and what I can do about it.... If it means anything the car has 50,000 miles. Thanks in advance

 

[QWKSLVR]

Sig,

I've got a '91 NSX w/ 59k miles, I live in Springfield, let me know if you'd like to get together & compare rides.

 

[Tetsuo]

sound like the vales at your mileage and year probably due for an adjustment.

My local acura dealer told me that you can never fully get ride of the chatter...

 

[Edo]

Same here..even AFTER I had the valve adjustment done, there was a slight pitter-patter of the valves at Low-Rpm's and very little throttle..probably because there isnt enough engine noise to mask it at that low speed. On a cold start the valve clatter is especially bad. The Acura guys told me that alot of the older one's sound that way, and short of a total engine overhaul there's nothing you can do, although it doesnt adversely affect your car (according to them).

 

[Sig]

How much should I expect a valve adjustment to cost at the dealer?

You said you still had this noise after the adjustment, did it quiet it at all?
Thanks again.

 

[nsxtasy]

How much should I expect a valve adjustment to cost at the dealer?
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Maintenance/costs.htm

 

[Edo]

As far as my untrained ear could tell, the sound really didnt change at all. It might have seemed a *bit* better but thats about it. Once the engine warms up it seems to pretty much disappear. Also, I have a K&N cone intake which makes quite a bit more engine noise, and drowns out the pitter patter of the valves. So that may make a difference. I also bought mine at 50K just a few months back in May. So I bet we are hearing the same thing.