Originally posted by antarius
You should'nt be downshifting to first, ever. It's a gear for starting from a stop -- not down shifting into. Hence why it feels hard to get into, because it doesnt want to go.
In any case, I don't think you've hurt anything doing that. Also, when going into first you will probably hear a whine that is relative to the speed of the engine, mine does it - similar to when you're in reverse.
Now, the engine noise. Could either be valves or you could have bad knock. If it's ticking and gets faster and faster with the revs, it's likely valves, at 60k miles or so, it's probably due anyway.
Go get some $1.00 tools and check your clearances.
Very helpful, and hopefully that's exactly what's happening with the whining. I haven't made down shifting into 1st a habit, but the few times I have it sounds aweful, and you've explained why perfectly...thanks.
Now, the knocking. When I'm driving, it sounds like a throaty knock, but the car drives just fine and I can't feel any problems at all. When the car is on, but just sitting, it's more like a ticking sound. I hope you're right about the valves...that'd be an easy fix.
Thanks again...I'll check into those things. You've allowed me to worry a bit less now...needless to say I'm a worrier and sometimes assume worst things than what's actually going on...:doh: I hope this is one of those times.
BTW...if it is a bad knock in the engine, what does that mean in terms of engine life, etc? Is my engine crapping out, or is that one of those things that just happens sometimes and I have to live with it? I'm making a 5 hr. trip to Seattle this weekend, and I want to make sure everything with my car is ready for the drive...