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Fluttery sound from engine - 2017 Touring AWD

2695 Views 16 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  advmgm
A couple of weeks ago I started noticing a fluttering sound from the engine at idle and low speed – at higher speeds the normal engine noise overpowered the flutter. So I mentioned it this morning when I brought my car in to the local dealer for A7 maintenance (oil/filter, brake fluid).

The service tech didn't recognize the sound. The service manager didn't recognize the sound. So they determined, in consultation with Honda on the west coast, that they needed to open up the engine to find the cause.

So my car's engine is being disassembled, and I'm in a loaner 2019 Accord. (I think I prefer its button-operated gear shift, and it seems to incorporate a few of the things I'd change on my car, if I could.) They say it likely will take a few days, and that's before they know what the problem is.

Does my car's symptom, a fluttering noise from the engine, sound familiar (pun intended) to anyone?

Oh, and I asked about the replacement shifter button and was told they only replace them when they fail... so my service advisor is getting the price of the part, and if it isn't ridiculously expensive I'll buy one so I have a spare stashed in my glove box.
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I hope is not a failed cam as described on TSB 18-147. Download the PDF from the link below which has a sound link embedded. See if it sounds like it.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/HONDA/CR-V/SUV/FWD#manufacturerCommunications

Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, the vehicle may experience driveability issues..... or a whirling noise coming from the engine compartment.
Thanks for the info on TSB 18-147. I haven't had driveability problems, and the "regular" engine noise when driving at above about 12 mph drowns it out, so I *think* the cylinders are firing correctly, but I'm not an automotive tech or engineer... we'll see! (Trying to keep a good attitude.)
Thanks for the info on TSB 18-147. I haven't had driveability problems, and the "regular" engine noise when driving at above about 12 mph drowns it out, so I *think* the cylinders are firing correctly, but I'm not an automotive tech or engineer... we'll see! (Trying to keep a good attitude.)
Did you have any oil dilution prior to this? Also how many miles do you have on you CRV?
Thanks for the info on TSB 18-147. I haven't had driveability problems, and the "regular" engine noise when driving at above about 12 mph drowns it out, so I *think* the cylinders are firing correctly, but I'm not an automotive tech or engineer... we'll see! (Trying to keep a good attitude.)
Please let us know what they come up with. I for one would be interested. Good luck.

Oh, and I asked about the replacement shifter button and was told they only replace them when they fail... so my service advisor is getting the price of the part, and if it isn't ridiculously expensive I'll buy one so I have a spare stashed in my glove box.
They should replace the button even if it's just loose, it shouldn't need to fail first. My dealer replaced ours on our 2017, no questions asked, they just took care of it.
Did you have any oil dilution prior to this? Also how many miles do you have on you CRV?
I haven't noticed oil dilution, but I haven't checked for it all that much... possibly a mistake. And I have a little over 13,000 miles – my commute is only 1/2–mile each way, and when the weather is good and I don't have to be in before 6 AM (which is unfortunately quite rare) I walk.

And I'll definitely report back on whatever it turns out to be.
Replaced Cylinder Head, Turbo, Timing Chain

From service report: "Cams were binding inside head and had stretched timing chain... chain was loose... stripped 2 side tubo bolts, tried to remove but broken inside turbo housing and not able to drill out."

They also found "a/c line leaking oil. both suction and discharge lines were completely soaked in oil where clamp fitting were not clamped tight enough. also system overcharged by .21 kg." "replace both suction and discharge lines and destin bag." (Anyone know what a destin bag is?)
From service report: "Cams were binding inside head and had stretched timing chain... chain was loose... stripped 2 side tubo bolts, tried to remove but broken inside turbo housing and not able to drill out."

They also found "a/c line leaking oil. both suction and discharge lines were completely soaked in oil where clamp fitting were not clamped tight enough. also system overcharged by .21 kg." "replace both suction and discharge lines and destin bag." (Anyone know what a destin bag is?)
Sorry to hear that. Looks like another case of cam failure; TSB 18-147 likely caused by poor lubrication / oil dilution.

Destin bag??? Could it have been desiccant?
Yes, the CRV has a replaceable desiccant bag that fits in the receiver / drier. Replace whenever you open the A/C system
Sorry to hear that. Looks like another case of cam failure; TSB 18-147 likely caused by poor lubrication / oil dilution.
And since I live in Georgia, their "fix" for oil dilution isn't available to me.
Desiccant bag looks like this, I don't want to hear any wise cracks. Fits in the condenser. Plastic
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And since I live in Georgia, their "fix" for oil dilution isn't available to me.
I would ask the dealer for the "fix" anyway and see if Honda will apply it now. The "fix" has not worked for many but I can't understand why they do not apply it to all, if nothing else just for PR reasons. It takes .7 hours of labor and 3.5 quarts of oil. IMO they would be better off spending the money and avoiding the negative PR that it causes. They obviously don't care as long as sales remain high but the issue may snowball. I just visited the Honda USA Facebook site and there are many complaining there as well.
I asked about the "fix" – since the dealer and I are in Georgia, it's not an option. Hadn't even thought of Facebook... just visited and left a short post about this.
I asked about the "fix" – since the dealer and I are in Georgia, it's not an option. Hadn't even thought of Facebook... just visited and left a short post about this.
Might want to consider joining these groups also.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/201...Owners-Group-North-America--1369291403116406/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/602980600050747/
Sorry to hear about your problem..

With only a half mile commute your engine never gets up to temp to burn off any diluted gasoline.

Sent from my LG-H700 using Tapatalk
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