Metal rattling noise under the hood. - Honda Prelude Forum

mr. r00t · 08-12-2003, 10:39 AM

Hello,
Recently I've been having a loud metal rattling noise coming out from under the hood while driving. This has been prior to my distributor problem that I got fixed up, so I feel it is unrelated.

While accelerating I can hear it as well as people on the street can hear it. It's pretty loud to go over the roar of the engine. Also, when I clutch and coast like coming to a stop, the dies off and doesn't happen again until I accelerate. Sounds like maybe the radiator or possibly the heat sheild over the header? My car is pretty low, maybe I bashed something up that secured the heat sheild on the lower end and it's rattling when I stomp the accelerator. OK I'm babbling out loud now. Thanks in advance, I won't get a chance to really check it out until this weekend so I was hoping for maybe a heads up for a 'I've had that problem too' type response.

Thanks in advance,
Jim

SlowSi · 08-12-2003, 01:12 PM

My brother's catalytic convertor shields (95 Integra) are rusted pretty good and you can hear them a mile away. It makes a metal on metal grinding noise. Since your car is low I'd jack it up and take a look at those.

Phamine · 08-12-2003, 03:38 PM

Also check the header bracket

4bidden · 08-12-2003, 03:57 PM

Make sure your rod that holds your hood up is secure.

mr. r00t · 08-12-2003, 03:58 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check the first two as soon as I get off work.

4bidden: I've removed that already.

Si_g · 08-12-2003, 04:56 PM

If i you have a big exhaust(aftermarket system or pipes) , check your heat shields. i had the same problem last week, 2 heat shields were completely melted. The one right next to the header, on the right side of it, so i removed it, and there is another one under the car, by the cat. i took em out, there was bits and pieces the fell off. So that was my problem, now its gone.

mr. r00t · 08-12-2003, 07:25 PM

Ah I have stock exhaust from the header back.

Thanks for the suggestion!

SlowSi · 08-12-2003, 07:30 PM

Is it safe to remove the cat. converter shields? Aren't they there for a reason?

bsi · 08-12-2003, 07:58 PM

do you have a CAI it could be that

prelude2005 · 08-12-2003, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SlowSi
Is it safe to remove the cat. converter shields? Aren't they there for a reason?

No, I don't recommend it at all, unbelievable amounts of heat comes from that area. It would take forever to cool down the cabin with the A/C on in the dead summer.

PRelude787 · 08-12-2003, 08:49 PM

I had that problem a while ago and a mechanic just welded the heat shield on the cat. because it had rusted out at the bolts. It was gone for a while and now it's back again. Is there any type of adhesive that can be used to keep it there. It only makes the noise at really low rpms like when I'm going into first gear or something. Really annoying.

mr. r00t · 08-13-2003, 11:58 AM

Alright thanks, I'll check the cat and ensure my CAI is secure.

SlowSi · 08-13-2003, 10:21 PM

I'd just buy new cat. shields....shouldn't be more than $60. Could you spray some hi-temp paint on the shields? Or does it get too hot for that?

Phamine · 08-14-2003, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SlowSi
I'd just buy new cat. shields....shouldn't be more than $60. Could you spray some hi-temp paint on the shields? Or does it get too hot for that?

I used some 1500 deg paint and it just came off after a day of driving.

bob1 · 08-14-2003, 12:30 PM

i've had the same problem check where the manifold pipe connects ti the header and look at your metal gaskets to see if they are cracked of rusted away. only problrm is you have to et replacements from the dealer and they're 12.25 for both gaskets. hope this helps.

mr. r00t · 08-14-2003, 12:42 PM

Thanks guys. This really helps alot.