I've got a '99 Accord EX with the 4-cyl vtec. I bought it used with 100K on it and after a week of owning it decided to try doing a valve adjustment on it. I noticed it was a little "clicky", more so than my '93 was, and that was with 180K, last adjustment at 90K. So I followed the Hayes manual to the tee, the valves weren't out by much, if anything at all. I did some very minor adjustments, like .01-.02 on all the exhaust, and only one intake that I noticed was slightly off. The other intakes were all good. Anyway, after putting her all back together and firing her up.....no difference. Not better, but not worse either so at least I didn't screw it up. Question is, I know this engine (like most honda's) are a little clicky, but how clicky? Obviously this can't be well answered by words, but try eh? To give an idea, I can notice audible clicking when the car is started cold, while in the car with the windows up in the garage. But after 10 minutes, it's pretty much gone, even if you get out of the car and open the hood. Sounds totally normal. The car get's excellent mileage, 30+, and runs beautifully. So I'm inclined to think it's normal. But after a month with the car, it still bugs me like something is wrong. Any thoughts?

 

Mine makes the same noise, nothing to worry about.

 

Well, I'll probably leave well enough alone then. I'm taking it in to the dealer soon for the 105K timing belt change. If something is wrong, I'm sure they'll let me know. They're always eager to do additional work for twice the price

 

just to clarify...

engine was freezing cold?

if the tolerance is from .09-.12
make sure you tighten it at .09 (im making these figures up)

after my valve adjustment, it is still a bit clacky.

 

Yes. The engine was as cold. I did the adjustment first thing in the morning so it sat all night. Tolerance was .09-.11 (intake) and .11-.13 (exhaust). I got it closer to the min than the max but some were probably .095 or .115 rather than the absolue min (.09 &.11 respectively). When I do it again I'll make sure to do the min.

 

I have a 2002 w/ 42k on the odometer. Mine makes the exact same noises as yours during a cold start, but once it is warmed up, the noise goes away. I recently took a trip to Cleveland, and I received a little over 30mpg as well, but I have an auto.