I have a '08 Sport AT with 72,000 miles. I have been having some valvetrain noise as the car is warming up. It doesn't begin at start-up, but after about 1/4 mile of driving, and gradually goes away when fully warmed up. Sounds like if you were tapping a 1/2" dia. steel ball on a steel table top. It is present mostly in the 2000-3000 rpm range.This first began around 45,000 miles and is still there, but hasn't really gotten worse. It seems to be more prominent when the weather is cold. I took the car to the dealer (it was still under warranty) and left it overnight so they could do a cold start and listen to it. They claimed they heard nothing out of the ordinary. I'm a fairly skilled DIY'er, and there shouldn't be a noise like this in this car.

Anyone had a similar problem? I'm thinking I may need a valve adjustment, but the guy at the dealer says they never need to do one on these cars.

Any ideas? Thanks!

 

jack up the car and see if the heatshields are coming loose, or if a rock or something has wedged itself up there somewhere


EDIT valve adjustment should be mandatory before 100k miles

 

The Fit motor is one of more noisy Honda motors to begin with. Mine sounds a little tappy as well but I haven't gotten a valve adjustment done yet so it may be attributed to that. I would do a valve adjustment if you haven't yet, then see what it sounds like.

That's funny, usually the dealer is the first one to recommend getting service done even when you don't need it, weird.

 

Thanks for the info! Yes, the dealer will usually twist your arm to do maintenance. I think I'll just ask about them doing an adjustment again. I hate to start tearing into this car, it's never had anything touched except fluids, tires, brake pads and wiper blades. I may just give up and do it myself, I worry that they won't take time to be precise with it.

 

if you do it yourself, just read up or watch a few youtube videos on valve lash adjustment. It is an experience that is very handy to know, and it adds a certain level of satisfaction of doing it yourself.

More people these days could be self mechanics for the basics if they had patience, confidence, and a bit of common sense!

 

If you know which end of a wrench to hold onto, you can do a valve adjustment yourself.

A few hours labor time to have it done by an independent shop....

 

It might just be the exhaust manifold heat shield. Try taking it off or tightening the 3 bolts securing it.