Engine sounds like it is dying and weird exhaust dragging sound?

[newdaynewek]

Hey everyone,

I haven't been driving my car much at all, but recently i've taken it out a couple times. My car has 126,000 miles on the engine, its a 1998 civic ex. whenever I drive it sounds like somethings dragging, but nothing is when I looked under the car. It sounds like a deep toned dragging that gets louder as I go faster, the sound comes from the rear right corner of the car (near the exhaust tip) best way I can describe it is if my tire was rubbing against something. Also when I turn off the car after my drive, steam comes out of the exhaust and a burning smell is present. Another thought is that maybe something is clogged in the exhaust or there is a constriction of airflow somewhere within the exhaust?

Also whenever I start the car, it sounds like the engine is literally about to die. It putters and idles really low (below 1 rpm) then eventually goes back up after a couple seconds. But it sounds scary when it putters, like any moment it could die. I checked the engine oil, coolant, everything seems fine. Maybe the air filter could be the cause? I haven't changed that in a while. It is so weird because I literally haven't driven my civic in a while. like once every couple weeks and only locally, never long distance. So I really don't know how this issue came about?

Thank you CC!

 

[james032197]

This is just my guess. The only experience I've had with that noise is when my battery was low and need to be jumped. It maybe the alternator not charging the battery or something. That's with my opinion though.

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[newdaynewek]

This is just my guess. The only experience I've had with that noise is when my battery was low and need to be jumped. It maybe the alternator not charging the battery or something. That's with my opinion though.

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It starts up instantly so I don't think it is the battery. No delay. It starts fine but the engine just sounds like womppp wommmppp wommpp put put put put womp womp womp.

 

[james032197]

Have you done any recent engine work?

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[newdaynewek]

Have you done any recent engine work?

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My radiator needed replacement, so I got a brand new radiator. Good thought.....the consumption of coolant seems faulty. I got my radiator replaced a couple months back during the winter. The coolant level seemed super low and i've had to refill it more often than I would like. How often would you need to replace coolant? I'm beginning to think its probably that and the installment was done wrong? or the air pressure tool you use after refilling your coolant bay for the first time after a radiator replacement to make sure no extra air is running through the lines was not accurate?

 

[Joe Mason]

Sounds like you have a couple of issues. First is a bad wheel bearing. Second is a blown head gasket. The cooling system should not need to be constantly filled. The steam coming out of the exhaust indicates it's getting into the combustion chamber. Probably through the head gasket, which could explain the engine running so poorly. My guess is that the motor overheated due to the failing radiator and the gasket was damaged. You should check your plugs, see if they're wet.

 

[HeX]

Sounds like you have a couple of issues. First is a bad wheel bearing. Second is a blown head gasket. The cooling system should not need to be constantly filled. The steam coming out of the exhaust indicates it's getting into the combustion chamber. Probably through the head gasket, which could explain the engine running so poorly. My guess is that the motor overheated due to the failing radiator and the gasket was damaged. You should check your plugs, see if they're wet.

I agree. Outside of this, the engine issues sound like it could be your distributor cap, rotor, spark wires & plugs all need replacement. But all of that would be futile if the head gasket is blown.

Jack up the right rear wheel enough to spin it freely, then put the car in gear (while the engines off!) & disengage the e-brake. If spinning the wheel makes the noise and you see no obstructions then it must be the wheel bearing and/or a brake drum issue. The sound each make are clearly different to where you can discern one from the other.

 

[newdaynewek]

Sounds like you have a couple of issues. First is a bad wheel bearing. Second is a blown head gasket. The cooling system should not need to be constantly filled. The steam coming out of the exhaust indicates it's getting into the combustion chamber. Probably through the head gasket, which could explain the engine running so poorly. My guess is that the motor overheated due to the failing radiator and the gasket was damaged. You should check your plugs, see if they're wet.

I agree. Outside of this, the engine issues sound like it could be your distributor cap, rotor, spark wires & plugs all need replacement. But all of that would be futile if the head gasket is blown.

Jack up the right rear wheel enough to spin it freely, then put the car in gear (while the engines off!) & disengage the e-brake. If spinning the wheel makes the noise and you see no obstructions then it must be the wheel bearing and/or a brake drum issue. The sound each make are clearly different to where you can discern one from the other.

horrible. How much do you think the head gasket would cost to replace? and wheel bearing (if that is shot too)? Also should I risk even running my car anymore? or should I get it towed to a shop to be safe? Last thing I want is a blown engine.

 

[Joe Mason]

I replaced a rear wheel bearing, well I opted to replace the whole hub. It was like $55. The inner bearing race was stuck on the spindle so I had to get creative to remove it. Otherwise it was cake. I don't know what a shop would charge for a head gasket job. It's doable at home though. There's tons of DIY instructions out there. IF you choose to do it yourself you should replace the timing belt and water pump also. I would not recommend driving you car at this point.

 

[HeX]

I agree. You should stop driving it immediately & have your car towed to a trustworthy shop before you push the engine past its breaking point. Im all for do-it-yourself projects but I wouldnt recommend tackling an engine job like that for the lightly experienced.

 

[lethal6]

If you have to keep topping off coolant, that isn't good. Mine NEVER lost coolant the whole time I have had it. Hell, my VR6 runs very hot by nature and it still doesn't ever need topped off.

If in fact the head gasket is blown, you should definitely take that thing off the road unless you are ready for the worst. All it takes is a momentary lapse in attention to let it get too hot and cook that head...or worse.

 

[XpL0d3r]

Yep, as everyone else mentioned, I would refrain from driving it unless you're taking it to a shop, and even then, be very careful.

The motor issue does sound like a bad head gasket to me as well, and isn't hard to replace. I would recommend getting a Helms manual or trying to find a copy online, and run through the procedure to see if it's something you can do. If not, take it to a shop. If you plan on keeping the Civic and would like to do maintenance on it yourself, the Helms manual is pretty much a bible.

 

[newdaynewek]

so I only need to really worry about it when the engine gets to hotter temperatures right? thats when the risk of the head really breaking. I have a shop I can bring my car to thats about 10 miles away from me. I can run it in low gear and cruise.

 

[lethal6]

so I only need to really worry about it when the engine gets to hotter temperatures right? thats when the risk of the head really breaking. I have a shop I can bring my car to thats about 10 miles away from me. I can run it in low gear and cruise.

No. With a blown head gasket you are risking the head and more than likely the engine given your inexperience by driving it at all. It's your money and your car, but I wouldn't risk it. If it's only 10 miles, have it towed. I guarantee the tow bill will be less than the one for replacing the head or the whole engine.

 

[Joe Mason]

No. With a blown head gasket you are risking the head and more than likely the engine given your inexperience by driving it at all. It's your money and your car, but I wouldn't risk it. If it's only 10 miles, have it towed. I guarantee the tow bill will be less than the one for replacing the head or the whole engine.

 

[HeX]

Lets put this in monetary terms. Do you want to risk blowing your motor and paying thousands for another motor to be installed or having to get another car, or pay less than $150 to have it towed?

Who knows how much you couldve already pushed it closer to the point of blowing by having driven it in that condition. Its just not worth further risk.