another tapping prob (already searched)

[krovikan]

Whenever my 1989 INTEGRA XSI (da + b16a 1st Gen) is going over about 20kph i can hear a tapping noise comming from the engine bay (i think). It will last for about 4secs, break for 1.5secs and start again for 4secs. It will do this continuously. no relation to how fast i go n i cant pin-point where is is comming from cauz i have to be moving for it to do it. Doesnt matter what gear im in and continues even if i coast in nutural

thanx for any help ppl

[TRUMAN]

is the tapping sound loud? wat does the tappin sound like? is any sorta wiring hitting something?

[EuroDude]

When was the last time you adjusted the tappets?

Have you checked the engine and tranny oil level? Tried a fresh oil replacement?

[krovikan]

It is like a rapid ticking... very loud... but dosnt get quicker or slower ever

[Slow96GSR]

Does it speed up or slow down with speed/rpm? Is it a metal on metal sound? Right side or left side? Does it sound like it's coming from the inside of the engine bay or by the wheels? How loud is it, a wisper, normal voice level, or loud enough you have to yell at the person next to you?

[EuroDude]

So it doesn't matter what revs the engine is at, and its only heard above 20km/h, and its a consistent noise that doesnt change in speed or tone?

Tough one lol. That pretty much rules out anything to do with the wheels and engine internals, as well as the gearbox. Maybe its something thats consistent in speed, such as the Air Conditioning system, or the cooling fan?

Another guess would be that something metallic such as a tool or bolt is stuck in the engine bay or chassis somewhere, and is vibrating (noisy) when the car is moving at speed due to the road vibrations.



I would park the car and get someone to rev the engine at say 3000rpm-5000rpm while you listen to various areas (the engine bay specifically). The engine will vibrate and hopefully trigger the noise.

[ECU-MAN]

could be valve adjustment or worn LMA

[Slow96GSR]

Even valves that need adjusting will change sounds as the motor revs, dependant on the rpms. I bet it's in side the car, nothing to do with the motor, like the heater or a/c fan. Maybe the radio is a cd player and it is making the noise cuz it's broken.

[krovikan]

...... i got my mate to look at it and we went under da car while it was in gear and figured out wat was makin da noise... traced a cable back to the ABS..

i unpluged the ABS and the noise has gone away... but now, obviously, the "ABL" light stays on.

i will post pics later tonight... thanx for all da help.