RocketUSA

Not fuel injected, SOHC

Symptoms: Was driving along, engine suddenly started making clacking noises and lost power. Pulled into a parking lot. Could restart, but engine clacks at an idle when, both in Park and Neutral. Towed it home with a rope. No belts appear to be broken, nothing is slapping around (visibly) in the engine. My first thought are valves. I'm suspicious of the transmission, but not super experienced with them. Noise seems to be coming from engine compartment.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

gotmy86hatch

If the tranny IS bad, it's a seperate issue from the noise/power loss you are having. Is the noise is louder if you are under the car or standing over it? That might help determine a valve/head problem or something in the block. I would almost suspect a rod/crank issue.

RocketUSA

Ok, you guys (or gals) are gonna laugh. This is my friend's CRX, and I was trying to get some idea about what I was up against as he asked me to stop by on the way home to troubleshoot. Long story short...his A/C compressor is shot. The car "lost power" due to the fact that it's a little 4-banger and he was going up a hill.

Moral of the story: go listen to an injured car in person, and not over the phone.

gotmy86hatch

awesome...sadly the A/C compressor is gonna cost him about $300...might be worth more than the car itself...