I have weird noise from the engine.
195

Asked by Gregg Jul 15, 2013 at 04:17 PM about the 2007 Honda Element SC

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Randomly but more often when the weather is cool.  The Toaster just turned 100K.  No problems & runs like a gem.  My dealer has no explanation. I cannot reproduce at will.
Sounds similar to a power steering whine, but oscillates /  warbles off & on with the RPMs.   Most noticeable at idle.
length of the drive, or warming up the has no effect.

When I've tried to isolate it, but I won't make the sound when you're looking for it.
Belt is fine, tensioner, & water pump seem OK.

This is a long shot, but I found an Amsoil distributor close.  About 300-500 miles after my 1st Amsoil changes is when it started.
Amsoil quieted down the engine,  ran much smoother, little more torque and about 2.5 mpgs.
Then this started.  I'm kinda stumped...
I don't want to end up towed to dealer.

3 Answers
195

Gregg answered 11 years ago

So a month goes past, and nothing. Or if it has been doing it the premium sound system of the SC drowned it out. Finally pulled into my driveway & it was making the sound. Investigated with my stethascope! Water pump for sure. Replaced! and it was still there. OK, it hAs to be the tensioner. Replaced! and it was still there....... Dear Honda, I'm not playing this game with you!

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migration_judge_roy answered 11 years ago

okay, this one has a timing chain...the oil pump is driven off of the chain...look at the chain too see if it is stretched to the point of wearing out the wear shoe, and the oil pump (which is driven off this chain) is operating normally...with high mileage should be changed anyways...when you do will discover the source of the trouble~....loose timing chain is my diagnosis~

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195

Gregg answered 10 years ago

And the answer is...... Broken clutch housing! Somehow (don't ask, because I have no idea) a piece of the pressure plate housing cracked off. Tumbling around randomly was causing the sporatic noises. It claimed a spring from the disk too & a finger. AND (insert cursing here) scored the flywheel when it got caught. I hope I don't see the dealership again for a long time. My wallet still has brusies.

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