I took my Fit into the dealer today. Robertson Honda of North Hollywood, California. The Service Writer said that "they couldn't find anything." The Service Manager said that "It's normal." They both said that the Honda District Parts and Service Manager (DPSM) drove the car as well, and she said that it was normal. This result is just about what I expected and is why I delayed in killing a workday this way.

So, I'm driving a car that vibrates so much that it is physically uncomfortable to ride in it, but Honda insists that "It's normal."

P.S. I expect to be screwed over by manufacturers. It's how the system works. But I never expected that I would buy a Honda engine with a design flaw.

 

Seriously try using a thicker oil like 5w30 with premium gas and see if that helps.

Road vibrations is the tires. My Fit had bad tires and it would vibrate on the highway. Changing speeds helped.

 

I'v been trying to suggest to you since mid-november that it is probably piston slap and progressively worn motor mounts would help account for the vibration.

Try an oil with a thicker cold weight. 10w30 for example, or even a 15w. The difference between 5w and 0w is less than the difference between 10 and 5 in many cases. High zddp zinc/high moly oils wouldn't hurt either.

 

I figured the dealer would have checked the motor mounts but they only do what you say and probably did not look at them. Maybe add 3 quarts of 5w30 and 1 of 15w40 truck oil for the extra zinc.

 

Just out of curiosity did you happen to check if the spark plug 'wires' were correctly fitted. If memory serves the firing order is 1-3-4-2.

 

Agreed, my noise sounds EXACTLY like Kirko's as well--My car is an '07 with 123K...I'm averaging 34-36MPG per tank and the noise shuts up once the car has been driven at speed for a while.

I have also observed that since only filling up with Chevron Premium Grade the noise seems to be quieter and that when I put the car in Park (Mine is A/T) the noise is more pronounced.

 

Premium gas has more octane in it. Octane resolves engine knock. Engine knock is detonation. So, you're saying your problem is detonation? Maybe. But I don't think so. I don't think that that noise is detonation.

 

It could just be wishful thinking, but it seems to have helped--nevertheless the noise is still there but I have experienced zero issues with reliability, economy or otherwise.

Oil will be changed this coming week, I'll check the old filter for any debris.

 

Any problems with vibration?

 

Not at this point, nothing to report.

The only thing that I've noticed that is definitely true is that the noise is louder when the car is in Park.

 

Does anyone else think it could be the water pump?

 

I'm not sure about the water pump making that kind of clattering sound. Especially for as long as mine's been doing this.

 

It seems to me that as this thread goes on the noise is just a 'Characteristic of the car'. Of course something is making that noise and it probably shouldn't be, but as far as I can tell no one can diagnose it for sure (Including dealers) and there haven't been any linked failures to the noise.

Still keeping an eye on this thread though, hoping I won't see "Well, my engine just ate itself" anytime soon

 

It's a really messed up metallic sounding noise that's been happening on my car for fifty thousand or so miles. Honestly, it sounds like it probably should eat itself.

 

And no vibration? Is that right, willy?

Thanks.

 

No vibration at all. It's a smooth running engine with no drivability issues. Just a bad noise.

 

Sounds like a trans problem then. Try putting it in neutral and see how it sounds? If its quiet then the trans is your problem.

 

2007 Honda Fit Sport w/ Automatic Transmission, 87,000kms, and contains all symptoms as shown in the original video of this thread. Sadly, as the car ages, the engine tick seems to get progressively louder.

Both engine and transmission have seen consistent synthetic oil changes since 11,000kms. The main number of kilometers are highway based, as the vehicles seen a number of extensive road trips since it's purchase in 2007.

I was informed by a number of Honda technicians that there is a service bulletin on the 2008 Honda Fit's for a Valve Adjustment which apparently resolves this issue. Sadly, I haven't had the money to confirm or deny that this the apparent fix.

 

I've done two valve adjustments on this car and all of the intake valves were within spec. However all of the exhaust valves were on the tight side of the specified range or slightly tighter than the specified range which will make the engine run quieter not louder. I think most people around here have had similar results when looking at valve clearances so what there telling you doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Who knows though.

 

It's not the valves that are cause the noise. If you doubt me, adjust your valves or hold a stephoscope to the valve cover when the noise is apparent.