The Under the Hood Show
Dear Motor Medics, I have a 2011 Honda CR-V that has a internal noise. The noise would come and go and usually after a oil change I would not hear it for a week or so. It occurs at the first start up of the day and the colder it is outside—and the longer it has been turned off—the louder and longer the noise will be.
A couple shops have told me that they think the engine is going out, but another says it’s just timing chains and can be fixed.
This car only has 90k miles on it, should I fix the chains or replace the engine.
Jeff in Fergus Falls. Minnesota
Dear Jeff, A timing chain noise is a common occurrence on many vehicles.
Most of these had timing belts in the past which were silent but had to be changed at regular intervals. Chains, while made to last the lifetime of an engine, will fail if the engine oil is not changed often enough or if it is a lower quality oil. Sometimes they will fail even when that is done.
Something to keep in mind, more than just the chains need attention. In our shop we inspect and replace, if needed, the chains, tensioners, sprockets and the camshaft phasers. All these can wear and can lead to noise.
If a part is missed the noise will still occur leading to a disappointing repair. Get details from your shop.
Take care, The Motor Medics
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