Reattaching bridge bolts may eliminate knocking in Honda models

Some 2008-09 Honda models with V6 engines may produce a knocking or ticking sound while the engine idles.

According to the car maker, the noise usually gets worse as the engine warms, and it most likely is due to too much clearance in the rocker shaft bridge, which allows the shaft to rotate during engine operation.

Loosening, then retightening each bridge bolt, should eliminate the noise.

Start the fix by removing the valve cover from the front cylinder head. Now loosen each bridge bolt.

Referring to the top illustration, tighten bolts 1 through 8 to 19 ft.-lbs. and bolts 9 and 10 to 18 ft.-lbs.

As you tighten, it may feel as if each bolt is starting to strip. This is just the bridge crushing against the rocker shaft, and it's normal.

Continue tightening until the specified torque is reached, then reinstall the valve cover.

Now move on to the rear cylinder head. Again, remove the valve cover and loosen each bridge bolt.

Using the lower illustration, once again tighten bolts 1 through 8 to 19 ft.-lbs. and bolts 9 and 10 to 18 ft.-lbs.

To complete the fix, reinstall the valve cover.

"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].