I have a 2WD Automatic EX with about 7500 miles on it. Under acceleration I hear a light clattering sound from the engine. I burn 87 octane Shell gasoline, and had the first oil change at 5500 miles. The Honda dealer checked it when I had it in and said they heard no problem. My longtime mechanic also said the same after a quick check revving the engine in neutral, saying what I was hearing was just the hydraulics on the engine. A one-tank test with 93 octane seemed to make only a little difference.

Being of a certain age, however, I have memories of the first unleaded gas engines beating themselves to death with clattering valves from the new gas, and I don't wish to do the same to my wonderful new Element. Am I hearing a typical noise for the CR-V/Element engine, or do I have a problem I should press on a little bit more at the dealer? Thanks,

John Hale

You could be hearing the engine spark knock. I believe the 2.4 in the element comes with a knock sensor and should retard ignition timing once it hears spark knock. This only happens when the engine is under load which is why free revving will not produce the noise.

Thanks. What you say fits what I later read from a web search on the VTEC engine in general, where I found out VTEC means "Variable valve Time and Electronic lift Control." I also got a couple hits where people commented that VTEC should mean "Very Troublesome Engine Clatter," so from your comment and those others it appears I'm hearing a noise typical of the VTEC engine in my Element. Again, thanks.

Hunh, no foolin'? I don't hear anything but the radio.