I've currently got a 96 accord EX 2.2 vtech 4 cyl with 135k miles and in the last year it's been developing a "rumble" or vibration at about 1800 RPM when the engine's under load or during acceleration. It's always the same RPM and nowhere else - does it in both summer & winter times. When crusing about 30mph in 3rd gear then if you speed up just enough not to trigger a downshift it's most apparent b/c the tranny's gear'd up and loading engine. She purs like a kitten other than this glitch at the fixed RPM and only when it's working harder.

I had a 94 EX with 190kthat did it as well and my girlfriend has a 96 accord LX with 160k on it that does the same thing only it's more noticable. Seems to be degenerative over time???

What causes this? It seems to be the same problem on three cars. All were well maintained and got all oil changes, etc. No engine lights or anything. Is it some sort of throttle issue or something? I've tried Sea Foaming the gas several times, and no change. I also just replaced air filter/plugs/cap/rotor as they were due. It's also had Mobil 1 oil her whole life (I'm second owner & got records from first lady).

Anyone else experience this or know what it is and how to fix it?

Thanks

 

maybe in the exhaust. your generation has a buzz kit for the exhaust. a gasket for the b pipe. other things maybe loose heat shield, the torque converter, bad motor mounts?

 

probably your exhaust. mine starts to growl weirdly when i accelerate...it hasn't caused me any problems...it's just annoying sometimes. does your whole car vibrate?

 

It's not so much a vibration as a growl as you say. No "problems" really other than it's annoying after a while. I'd say maybe it's *mildly* more pronounced in the winter when the engine is cold.

I have a hard time thinking it's an exhaust issue as it's not a typical metal-on-metal rattle or anything. Definitely not heat shield (I know that sound well ) or other regular exhaust pipe rattle.

When I accelerate it's
1.0k - hum
1.3k - hum
1.6k - hum
1.8k - throatier growl (much deeper hum)
2.0k - hum
2.5k - hum
etc...

I can dance around that 1800 RPM on the road too and its always more of a gruff sound than the typical pur of the engine at other RPM's. Maybe I'll try to record it and post the sound.....

 

I have the exact same poblem with my 95 accord ex 4cyl. It almost seems like its missing around 1,800 to 2,100 rpm. If I give it more gas it smooths out. 5th gear is horrible around 50 mph and shakes real bad. I have tried all of the electrical system ( spark plugs, wires, cap, button.....). No check engine light. I am thinking maybe fuel filter or intake problem. Any info that you find I would love to hear about it cause its getting on my nerves.