"Ringing" sound from engine? Confused!

[slammedteg91]

I have a 91 LX 5-speed sedan, with a JDM H22A. Before it had a F22A1 in it, with a no-compression 3rd cylinder. When I slightly am pushing the gas (like just enough to accelerate), it makes a ringing, kind of "tingling" noise (not to be confused with tinging or ticking, its hard to explain), but if I push the gas down harder, it goes away. When I had the F22 in there, when I pushed the gas at all, it would do that, but just get louder as I pushed the gas harder (it wouldn't go away). The engine pulls hard and runs great, doesn't smoke or anything. But now I think it's car related, and not engine related (still have the same problem with new engine). It definitely sounds like it's coming from the engine bay though. I did keep the same trans if that matters, but I'm just wondering if anybody else has this issue? BTW it doesn't do it if you rev it in neutral, only with the engine under load. Thanks!

[Fake Thug]

Sounds like something loose, not engine related. Least not internal. On my car whenever I would engage the clutch and ease foward it would rattle,ring etc. Turned out to be my bumper cover/grill. If you suspect something internal in your engine then leakdown test it. You have poly mounts?

[93cbh23]

when you swapped did you upgrade clutch? did you replace everything? new flywheel or at least have re surfaced? VSS maybe loose or damaged gear inside trans? it does sound loose it would just depend on what it is and where or what side of the bay it's coming from. get a buddy in the car and see if he can help you at least narrow down the direction of the sound to give you a better idea of what's happening. when you go to checl for tightness don't do the they LOOK tight get a wrench and or rachet and check the right way.

[wrichards2005]

Could be a flywheel, maybe. I would get a stethoscope (yes, auto parts stores sell them) and find out EXACTLY where the noise is coming from.

Keep us updated.

[93cbh23]

Could be a flywheel, maybe. I would get a stethoscope (yes, auto parts stores sell them) and find out EXACTLY where the noise is coming from.

Keep us updated.

true but he said it only happens under load. but you can also use a screwdriver or prybar if you can't find a steth

[slammedteg91]

Sorry I wasn't clear this morning lol, but thanks for the help. I replaced the flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing. Its hard to find an exact location of the noise because it only happens while driving. I kept the stock trans and VSS, but actually the VSS stopped working after the swap (probably needs to be replaced, I hope that's all it is. I used to have a 96 accord EX 5-speed coupe that would make the same noise in 5th gear if you floor the gas, I always related it to "overloading" the engine. So I thought with the F22A, well it's always "overloaded" because it only has 3 cylinders, but the H22A does the same noise, just not as loud, and it goes away if you push the gas down further.

One thing though - I was driving around for a few days with an open downpipe (the F22A downpipe was basically corroded to the cat, so I had to replace the cat), and with the open DP I didn't notice the noise at all - now that might be because the exhaust noise was louder, but I don't think so, I'm starting to think it's muffler related. Once I pass my emissions test I think I'll take the muffler off (at the axle) and see if the noise goes away, its a stock muffler.

Also, another quick question - I am waiting for a new IAT (the one on this engine was crushed), so right now it's unplugged. Would that cause idle surge (like goes up to 1500, then drops to 1000, etc.)? Thanks!

[ex_style90]

Dood, I have this same problem. I hear that same noise when I am accelerating, then it dies down as you pick up speed. I hear it coming from the right side of my engine. This never happened when I had my f22a4 in there. But after I put in the a1 engine, this had happened

[slammedteg91]

Yeah it does seem to be from that side of the engine. I replaced the timing belt and water pump though? I did use the same mounts...I just want to figure this out its so frustrating!!