• Registered users are encouraged to enable MFA/2FA to add an aditional layer of security to their account. More information can be found here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/activate-2-step-verification-on-your-email

EP3 New owner looking for a little advice

C

Cryptic

Messages
5
Hi all, I'm the new proud owner of an '04 plate EP3, love the car, but as I haven't driven one before I just wanted to ask a question about a strange sound. It's a whistling kind of whine that I hear when accelerating, only at low speeds. It's quiet, and I wondered if it might be the air filter (ithas a K&N fitted). Could that make an audible whistle? Any help appreciated!
 
Brilliant, thanks! Does it indicate that it needs tightening or adjusting, or is it just part of the car's normal background sound?
 
it might not be loose depending on how loud we are talking?
Is it a faint sound?

Might be best to get someone to check it out
 
In the first few weeks after i bought my ep3 i thought the whine was indication of something wrong too. I put it down to just being the way that these engines sound, they are bound to sound different to your usual belt driven lump and the lack of sound proofing in the cabin allows us to hear it more.

It had me fooled though and hunting for faults. My car been doing it for 2 years without problem. At first i thought it sounded like a waterpump / aircon belt / bearing but if it was something serious i would of expected a failure by now.

If you had an issue with the chain or tensioner, i'd imagine the noise would be a more of a rattle than a whine. Don't quote me though lol.
 
Thanks for the advice guys! It is definitely a 'whistle' rather than a rattle. I have also noticed a bit of a graunching noise when accelerating after changing gear, I had thought it was me being unused to the clutch and changing sloppy, but it does seem to be a genuine sound. The car looks pristine and has obviously been cared for, so I'm going to trust it's nothing too serious yet whilst I get used to the general engine sounds it makes, I'm taking it to a Honda tuning specialist in the next month or so to get a LSD fitted, and it's having the clutch and flywheel done at the same time, so I'll get them to take a look- they will know these cars like the back of their hand so they should be able to advise me further at least.

This car was always one of my motoring icons in my youth, and I think it's a genuine future classic, so if it needs work doing on the gearbox I'm happy to have it done, I want to keep the car healthy and on the road for years to come!

Thanks again for the advice :)
 
These K20 engines do whine a little, it's normal. Heat shields can be a bit noisy too and most people just remove them.
 
Took my car to Hond R in Oxford today, getting a Quaife LSD and Competition Clutch stage 2 fitted, the graunchy noise has been traced to rusted bolts on the exhaust! So that's been added to the upgrade list now, not sure which one to pick yet. Thanks for all your help guys :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top