Stop That Grinding! Diagnosing a 2017 Honda Accord Engine Noise

How to Fix Grinding Noise

A grinding noise in your 2017 Honda Accord is a serious symptom that demands immediate attention. While the provided owner data does not contain direct reports of a "grinding" noise, it reveals critical, related mechanical issues that can lead to catastrophic engine failure if ignored. The most pertinent cause identified by owners is oil leakage from the valve cover gasket, which can starve the engine of lubrication and result in internal grinding sounds. As one owner, Aggravating-Sky7868, shared about their preventative maintenance: "Valve Cover Gasket Changed 2017 Accord EXL the gasket was sipping; I got sometime on my hand today and changed it @117k miles." This proactive fix addresses a primary source of oil loss that could lead to grinding components.

Symptoms

The symptoms reported by owners are precursors to or companions of severe mechanical distress. Overheating is a major red flag; an engine low on oil due to a leak cannot properly lubricate and cool its moving parts, leading to increased friction and heat. A loud rattle under light acceleration is particularly concerning, as it can indicate pre-ignition (knock) from overheating or, more severely, the sound of connecting rods or bearings beginning to fail due to oil starvation.

Hesitation in drive can be a related symptom. The engine's computer may detect abnormal vibrations or knock from internal damage and pull timing to protect the engine, resulting in a sluggish, hesitant feel when you press the gas. The most direct symptom tying these issues together is burning oil or an active oil leak. If you notice blue smoke from the exhaust, a persistent burning smell, or visible oil on the ground under your engine, your vehicle is actively losing its vital lubricant. Running the engine with insufficient oil for even a short period can cause metal-on-metal contact, resulting in the dreaded grinding noise.

Most Likely Cause

Based on the owner data, the most likely root cause that can lead to a grinding noise is oil loss from a failing valve cover gasket. The valve cover gasket is a seal located on the top of your engine. Over time, especially as mileage climbs past 100,000 miles, this gasket can harden, crack, and begin to seep or "sip" oil, as noted by an owner. This leak allows oil to escape, lowering the engine's oil level. An engine operating with low oil pressure cannot properly lubricate critical components like the camshafts, valve train, piston rings, and crankshaft bearings. Without this protective oil film, these high-speed metal parts begin to scrape against each other, creating friction, extreme heat, and ultimately, a grinding or knocking sound that signifies rapid, expensive internal damage.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing the source of potential grinding requires a systematic approach to check for oil loss and its effects. You will need a flashlight, mechanics gloves, a piece of cardboard or clean rag, and possibly a mechanic's stethoscope or long screwdriver to help pinpoint noises.

First, check your engine oil level using the dipstick. Do this on a level surface after the engine has been off for at least 5-10 minutes. Note if the level is low and the oil's color and consistency. Next, perform a visual inspection. With the engine cool, open the hood and use your flashlight to examine the top of the engine, particularly around the edges of the black plastic or metal valve cover. Look for wet, shiny, or dirty accumulations of oil or grease. Place the cardboard or clean rag under the engine overnight to catch any drips and identify the general leak area.

Start the engine and listen carefully. Use the stethoscope or place the handle of a long screwdriver against various parts of the engine (being careful to avoid moving belts and fans) and put your ear to the handle. This can help isolate whether a tapping or grinding sound is coming from the top (valve train) or bottom (crankshaft/rod bearings) of the engine. Monitor the temperature gauge for any signs of overheating during this brief run. The combination of low oil, visual leaks at the valve cover, and abnormal engine noises points directly to oil starvation as the culprit.

Step-by-Step Fix

If your diagnosis confirms a leaking valve cover gasket, replacing it is a critical preventative repair. This is a manageable DIY project for those with moderate mechanical skill.

1. Gather Parts & Prep: Purchase a new valve cover gasket kit for the 2017 Honda Accord (specific to your engine: 2.4L, 3.5L V6, or hybrid). Ensure the engine is completely cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal for safety.
2. Remove Engine Cover: Pull upward on the plastic engine cover to unclip it from its mounts and set it aside.
3. Disconnect Necessary Components: Carefully unplug any electrical connectors attached to the valve cover, such as those for ignition coils or variable valve timing solenoids. You may need to remove the ignition coils to access all valve cover bolts.
4. Remove the Valve Cover: Using a socket wrench, loosen and remove all the valve cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Gently pry the valve cover loose. It may be sealed with old RTV; tap it with a rubber mallet if needed.
5. Clean the Surfaces: This is the most important step. Thoroughly clean all old gasket material and RTV sealant from both the cylinder head surface and the valve cover using a plastic scraper and brake cleaner. The surfaces must be spotless and dry for the new seal to work.
6. Install New Gasket: Place the new rubber gasket into the channel on the valve cover. Apply a small dab of RTV sealant (if specified in the kit instructions) at the corners where the camshaft caps meet the head.
7. Reinstall Valve Cover: Carefully lower the valve cover onto the head. Hand-tighten all bolts, then torque them down in the proper sequence and to the specification found in a service manual (typically in inch-pounds, not foot-pounds). Overtightening will cause a new leak.
8. Reassemble: Reconnect all electrical connectors and install the ignition coils if removed. Reinstall the engine cover and reconnect the battery.
9. Refill Oil: Top off your engine oil to the correct level on the dipstick, as some will have been lost.
10. Test: Start the engine and let it run. Check for leaks around the new gasket. As one owner who performed this fix shared, taking the time for this repair at 117k miles is a smart move to preserve the engine's health.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Parts:
  • Valve Cover Gasket Kit (e.g., Fel-Pro VS50569R for certain applications - VERIFY FITMENT FOR YOUR SPECIFIC ENGINE). This often includes spark plug tube seals.
  • RTV Silicone Sealant (Ultra Grey or equivalent, if required by the kit).
  • 1-5 quarts of Honda-approved engine oil (0W-20 for most 2017 Accords).
• Tools:
  • Socket wrench set (metric)
  • Torque wrench (capable of measuring in inch-pounds)
  • Plastic scraper or gasket remover tool
  • Brake cleaner
  • Clean rags
  • Flashlight
  • Mechanics gloves
  • Flathead screwdriver (for prying connectors)

Real Owner Costs

The cost to address the root cause of potential grinding varies dramatically between DIY and professional repair, and escalates severely if internal damage has already occurred.

• DIY Valve Cover Gasket Replacement: This is the preventative fix. The gasket kit costs between $40 and $80. With the oil top-off, your total parts cost is under $100. Your investment is primarily time—about 2-4 hours for a first-timer.
• Professional Valve Cover Gasket Replacement: A shop will typically charge 1.5-2.5 hours of labor. With parts and labor, expect a bill between $300 and $600, depending on local shop rates and your engine type.
• Cost if Grinding Has Started: If the leak was ignored and grinding noises are present, you are likely looking at major engine repair. Replacing worn bearings or a crankshaft requires engine disassembly. Costs can range from $2,500 for a partial rebuild to over $5,000 for a complete replacement engine or a new vehicle. As one owner, Eatyourfriedrice, highlighted the value of a well-maintained Accord, implying the cost of neglect outweighs the cost of care: "My trusty 08 is still gonna be in the family she’s only got 120k."

Prevention

Preventing a grinding noise is about preventing oil starvation. Check your engine oil level at least once a month and before any long trip. Address any oil leaks immediately, no matter how small they seem. Adhere strictly to the manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals using the correct grade of oil. Pay attention to your dashboard warning lights, especially the oil pressure warning. If it illuminates while driving, stop the engine immediately and have the vehicle towed. Regular visual inspections of the engine bay can help you spot a leaking valve cover gasket early, before it leads to a catastrophic failure.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from HONDA owners:

Owner Experiences

"Took me all year to find this beauty but she was worth waiting for! 2017 Accord EX 6-speed, got 81k on the odometer. My trusty 08 is still gonna be in the family she’s only got 120k." — Eatyourfriedrice (source)

"My trusty 08 is still gonna be in the family she’s only got 120k. Love these cars and this is my first manual can’t wait to learn!" — Eatyourfriedrice (source)

"Valve Cover Gasket Changed 2017 Accord EXL the gasket was sipping; I got sometime on hand today and changed it @117k miles" — Aggravating-Sky7868 (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "Get something better mechanically. Pre 2017 non turbo is what you should be looking." — happy_Amphibian_88 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a leaking valve cover gasket? A: For a DIYer with the right tools, plan for 2 to 4 hours to complete the job carefully, including cleaning time. A professional mechanic can typically complete it in 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Q: Can I drive with a grinding noise? A: Absolutely not. A grinding noise from the engine indicates active, severe internal damage. Continuing to drive will turn a potentially preventable repair (gasket) into a certain engine replacement. Stop driving, turn off the engine, and have the vehicle towed to a repair facility.

Q: Is a valve cover gasket leak a common issue on the 2017 Accord? A: While not a universal defect, it is a very common wear item on higher-mileage vehicles. As rubber ages and hardens with heat cycles, leaks develop. An owner's report of changing it at 117k miles is a typical mileage point for this maintenance. As jcwexplorer noted about their newer purchase, starting with a well-maintained vehicle at 74,000 miles is key: "I’m going to install a steering wheel cover and front seat covers to protect its interior from wear." This mindset of proactive care applies to mechanical components as well.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what’s recommended for the valve cover gasket? A: This is a mid-level DIY job. If you are comfortable with basic tools, can follow instructions meticulously (especially for cleaning and torque specifications), and have a Saturday afternoon free, DIY can save you significant money. If you are unsure about your mechanical ability, lack a torque wrench, or the leak is severe and you suspect other issues, a professional mechanic is the recommended route to ensure it's done correctly.

Q: What if I fix the leak but the noise is already there? A: Replacing the gasket will stop the leak, but it will not repair damage already done. The grinding noise means components are already worn. You must have a mechanic diagnose the extent of the internal engine damage. The gasket fix is now just the first step in a much larger, more expensive repair.

Q: Are there other common issues I should watch for on a higher-mileage 2017 Accord? A: Owners have noted other age-related items. One mentioned a failing automatic rain-sensing wiper system, stating, "One hiccup is the automatic rain sensor wiper no longer working, probably needs a new gel pad or something." This highlights that while addressing critical mechanical issues like oil leaks is paramount, various electronic and comfort features may also require attention as the vehicle ages.