Hey guys it's been very helpful reading all the threads on the stalling issue. Mine (120k)has had the problem forabout a year now and I am finally confident that the valve adjustment should fix it. I was just wondering if the screech sound I hear when starting is related or a whole different problem.

It's the exact sound you hear if someone turns the key too long while starting and it makes that god awful screech.

Well every morning and only in the morning I hear a quick screech after starting. It starts up immediately no problem there is just a quick screech that follows. Then if I start driving it will stall at the first brake, so I usually sit there and let it warm up but I have to keep my foot on the gas otherwise it will just stall out after idling @ 1000 for a minute.

Either way, after reading all these threads it seems as if I am in need of a valve adjustment right? I am just wondering if anyone else is getting the quick screech upon starting in the morning. I'm hoping it's not a whole separate problem.

Lastly, the dealer quoted me $345 for a valve adjustment. This sounds way too expensive. Thoughts?

Thanks guys this forum is great

 

Wow that price is a rip off, the dealer ship I went to quoted me only $200 and I found out recently that my normal mechanic would've done $125. The valves need to be adjusted for sure, but for the screeching sound I have no idea. Do you think you can make a short video of the issue?

I see that you're from LA, which part? Maybe I can recommend you to my mechanic

 

Hey dery, thanks for the reply. Yes I can def make a video of the start up in the morning, can I post here in these threads?
And yes if you could refer me to your mechanic that would be awesome. My long time mechanic is now in his 70's, he's still working tho its crazy, but he is a diesel truck specialist and he is still skeptical about the valve adjustment being the problem so it would be great if I could find a new mechanic. Don't get me wrong, nick is the man, I've known him 20 years and he has worked on our company trucks since I was a child, but he should be retiring soon and I'm going to need to find a good trustworthy mechanic anyway to take over when he does. Any referrals would be much appreciated.

I live and work in downtown la.

As for the valve adjustment. Today I was at the dmv doing a title transfer and they made me get a smog check. At the smog check joint I spoke with a mechanic about the valve adjustment idea and he too was skeptical, saying he has never needed to do a valve adjustment on a 4 cylinder only a v6...eventually telling me a valve adjustment he could do for $200, now get this...
after the smog check he said I had the cleanest emission test results he's seen, explaining to me that this was proof that a valve adjustment isn't the solution to the problem etc. now I don't know what the hell to believe.
Any thoughts?
but I did not get a good vibe from this place either way.

Let me know about your mechanic and thanks a lot.

 

hes not been near honda's 4 cylinders much.


Honda made the exhaust clearance tight for emissions I THINK. All of mine were damn near zero gap when I adjusted mine at 24k miles or so. Car ran much better, idled smoother, and drove with more pep once the clearances were put to factory spec.


The screech is most likely the belt going bad, or something dripped onto it, like motor oil during an oil change if someone was messy.


Belt is cheap, and $200 is a fine price for a valve adjustment. Make sure he uses the correct spec. DiamonStarMotors pointed this to me today Standards and Service Limits - 37

Lots of information on everything!!


belt plus valveadjustment will make your car feel great. Slipping belt means alternator isnt providing stable charging voltage at all times, so now your ecu wont be trying to readjust with every rpm change lol

 

Go to Rouben's Union 76 on Eagle Rock Blvd. He's very honest and he won't replace anything unless it's completely necessary. Call him at (323) 254-5106. Try to get an appointment with him early. He does only have 3 stations and they do get full most of the time. If he does your valve adjustment, he will need to allow it to cool down which takes about 3 hours based from what the Honda dealership had told me.

If you're in a rush try Diamond Honda and they'll charge only $200 with the gaskets and everything. It took them about 5 hours to finish everything.

 

Great, thanks a lot dery !

 

No problem at all, I'm going to a car meet on Friday

 

What's that like,? I've never been?

 

It'll be my first one, but I got invited by a friend of mine, maybe I'll see some fits and get to know them. My other friend is going to talk to 240sx people. One day I might go and get a 240sx