All of a sudden my Insight sounds "throatier"

HybridNewGuy · 10-28-2011, 12:42 AM

I now have about 3200 miles on my 2011 Insight and over all it has been great. No complaints. However, in the last few weeks it has been sounding "throatier". Hard to explain except that until now it has been almost silent and now, on occasion, it sounds louder, sort of like a car with a muffler about to fail and it seems to lose a little pep when it does. Not much, but it seems noticeable and it goes away. it is not constant I thought that it might just be due to temperature, but I have noticed it on the last 77 degree day and it seemed to run fine on the 44 degree day just after. Any thoughts?

Willie Williford · 10-28-2011, 12:50 AM

Theory;
The colder air will allow the engine to produce more power, (It will run richer) hence the "throatier" sound.
Do you see a difference in the mpg on the above temp. days?

Willie

Kevin Dougherty · 10-28-2011, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HybridNewGuy

I now have about 3200 miles on my 2011 Insight and over all it has been great. No complaints. However, in the last few weeks it has been sounding "throatier". Hard to explain except that until now it has been almost silent and now, on occasion, it sounds louder, sort of like a car with a muffler about to fail and it seems to lose a little pep when it does. Not much, but it seems noticeable and it goes away. it is not constant I thought that it might just be due to temperature, but I have noticed it on the last 77 degree day and it seemed to run fine on the 44 degree day just after. Any thoughts?

Do you have, and is your resonator intact?

HybridNewGuy · 10-28-2011, 06:10 PM

Yes, everything is intact. And I can't tag the problem to either warm or cold weather. When it happens, it seems to lose power. Not much and it may be my imagination. My wife has never commented on it although I am the major driver of it. I did wonder if perhaps something was loose. We live in Chicago = road construction in the summer and pot holes in the winter. This summer bumps, holes and rough spots have been terrible. Perhaps it is just me.

Cobb · 10-28-2011, 06:36 PM

The timing is all over the place, so when you floor it it will change regardless of previous tranny or eco settings.

Typicaly when its in the "hybrid" or fuel efficient mode in drive and econ on its running in its artifical atkinson cycle. This is where the intake valve is closed late or part of the compression stroke to lessen pumping losses. This is where it seems gutless and has a vacuum leak in its sound.

To be loud with less power, that sounds like the ignition timing is retarded from less than regular octane fuel, yet the velve tming is advanced.

Id suggest trying a few gallons of preminum in your current tank. I wouldnt suggest an octane booster as they have an addative that Honda recommends against. MBE I think?

HybridNewGuy · 10-28-2011, 06:40 PM

You may be on to something. I will try a little premium. Perhaps it is a variance in the fuel I have been using. For various reasons I have been filling up at several places, all different than my normal spot. Well worth a try. Thanks.

HybridNewGuy · 10-28-2011, 08:50 PM

I did put some premium in. It was running smooth. I will run this tank for a while and monitor it. I am also going to monitor where I buy my gas. Thanks for the suggestion.

Cobb · 10-29-2011, 02:26 PM

I had fun watching my scanguage show the ignition timing and buying gas at various stores. Ive seen anywhere from almost 40 degrees advance on mid grade and light throttle and Ive seen -10 degrees on the cheap stuff when it sounds like its knocking.

HybridNewGuy · 10-29-2011, 02:38 PM

Cobb,

I think you hit the naul on the head. I ran it today after putting in the premium, smooth and quiet. I think that from niw on I will keep better track of where I fill and see what happens, Good call.