Engine Knock Until Warm & Burning Oil Smell

1882 Views 9 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Cantflysolo, 24 d ago

ucdscott

Discussion Starter · 5 mo ago

Hi All,

Our 2010 Crosstour engine makes a knocking sound upon cold start (see video here). The noise recedes as the engine warms.

Also concerning is a smell of burning oil. The oil level is stable.

Any thoughts or ideas of what could be wrong are appreciated.

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Crashmaster

· #2 · 5 mo ago

Give us a little more information:

Are you the original owner?
How many miles on the odometer?
Has there been any engine work done?
Who does the oil changes? Dealer? Quick Change?
What oil are you using? Brand and weight?
Did anything proceed this knocking sound? Perhaps an oil change?
How do you drive the car? Easy or road rage?
Any other drivers on this vehicle? Teenager?
With cardboard under the vehicle - any oil drips?

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NailGrease

· #3 · 5 mo ago

Oh my!
I’m pretty sure that is the sound of a failed timing belt tensioner. Do not drive it or start the engine until a timing belt job is done. If you DIY, I highly recommend an Aisin Timing Belt Water Pump kit (TKH-002). I’d purchase on RockAuto to insure it’s authentic. Drain the radiator at the same time the water pump is pulled for a 2 gallon refresh of the coolant. Depending on mileage, oil pan and pump oil leaks may need to be addressed.

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ucdscott

Discussion Starter · #4 · 5 mo ago (Edited)

Are you the original owner? Yes
How many miles on the odometer? 169k
Has there been any engine work done? The small block was replaced at 76k by Honda when the engine failed due to Eco mode
Who does the oil changes? Dealer? Quick Change? Myself and Walmart
What oil are you using? Brand and weight? Mobil1 0W-20
Did anything proceed this knocking sound? Perhaps an oil change? No, last oil change was in June at 161k miles
How do you drive the car? Easy or road rage? Very easy
Any other drivers on this vehicle? Teenager? No
With cardboard under the vehicle - any oil drips? No

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ucdscott

Discussion Starter · #5 · 5 mo ago

NailGrease said:
Oh my!
I’m pretty sure that is the sound of a failed timing belt tensioner. Do not drive it or start the engine until a timing belt job is done. If you DIY, I highly recommend an Aisin Timing Belt Water Pump kit (TKH-002). I’d purchase on RockAuto to insure it’s authentic. Drain the radiator at the same time the water pump is pulled for a 2 gallon refresh of the coolant. Depending on mileage, oil pan and pump oil leaks may need to be addressed.

Thank you for the recommendation! I will get it to the shop.

Current mileage is 169k. The timing belt and water pump were done at 100k.

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NailGrease

· #6 · 5 mo ago

ucdscott said:
Thank you for the recommendation! I will get it to the shop.

Current mileage is 169k. The timing belt and water pump were done at 100k.

Other than OEM parts, I only trust Aisin Timing Belt Water Pump kit (TKH-002) purchased from a reputable source. I’ve installed many with no issues. You might inquire as to what was installed before. Best wishes for you and your Crosstour.

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A7334321

· #7 · 5 mo ago

If you drive only short trips, cold climate, and gentle driving, this is hard on oil and tends to leave unburned fuel behind during cold starts which can break down the oil much faster leading to premature engine wear. You might consider installing a catch can to help prevent this unburned fuel and blow by from being sucked through the PCV system. You should also have a look at the PCV valve which could possibly contribute to the fumes .

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ucdscott

Discussion Starter · #8 · 5 mo ago

A7334321 said:
If you drive only short trips, cold climate

Thank you for the input but I don't believe what you describe is our issue. In addition to short trips, our CT is driven 20-45 minutes twice a week or so and we live in California at sea level.

A7334321 said:
You might consider installing a catch can to help prevent this unburned fuel and blow by from being sucked through the PCV system.

I don't know what a catch is or how to install one.

A7334321 said:
You should also have a look at the PCV valve

PCV valve was replaced 23k miles ago.

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ucdscott

Discussion Starter · #9 · 4 mo ago

NailGrease said:
I’m pretty sure that is the sound of a failed timing belt tensioner.

Many thanks to @NailGrease. The issue was indeed the timing belt tensioner. Had our CT towed to a local shop that used the AISIN TKH-002 and did the job for $1k.

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Cantflysolo

· #10 · 24 d ago

ucdscott said:
Many thanks to @NailGrease. The issue was indeed the timing belt tensioner. Had our CT towed to a local shop that used the AISIN TKH-002 and did the job for $1k.

I was going to post that i just went through this exact scenario. To me on cold startup, it sounded almost like loose valves, but stethoscope proved it was in the timing belt area, i bought the Honda OEM kit, no cold start chatter anymore.

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