A couple of things I'm concerned about

[Jakecallun20]

Alright, So I was driving my car and I stopped at my house to check the mail, I left the car running. The car was on a slight incline, as part of it was technically "off the road" myself and a friend were probably about 40-50 feet away from the car and we heard this sound...sounded like (to me) cans rattling together, but he says it sounded like a gurgling sound. I check ALL my fluid levels and both of my pans and most of the lines/undercarriage I could see. So anyways, I heard the sound and pulled my car back onto the road, about 3 feet. Put it back into park and set the brake then the sound stopped. The sound didn't sound like a rod knocking, I've heard that and the sound didn't increase with engine revs. It was just a constant rattling sound, does anyone have the slightest idea as to what this sound could be or could be coming from? .....In other news, There is something else that's been bothering me. Around my front valve cover, like where the gasket would be there is this black/dark brown sludge type stuff forming, its not liquid oil but its defiantly not something I've always seen. Does anyone know what this could be? Sign to gasket failure? oh oh, and by the way the car has 147,049 miles on it.

Thanks guys, I appreciate anything anyone can tell me.

[ninetynine]

I think the rattling could be a dead Cat. My Prelude had the same rattling and had my Cat replaced - wa-lah! Also, if the Cat is bad your CEL would only turn on if the O2 goes bad; which eventually will, if not changed soon.

The junk around your valve cover, looks like it's in need of a new gasket is all. No biggie there. I could be completely wrong on these things, but I hope this somewhat helps. GL bro!

[Gangis]

I wish I could make suggestions with the rattling issue but I have no idea. However, it does sound like you only need a new gasket. I've had that problem before and it's no biggie. In fact, you can most likely replace the gasket yourself quite inexpensively.

[Jakecallun20]

Alright, well good to know about the gasket, Do I need to replace the one on the rear valve cover too? I would think so but I hope I don't need to because it would be an absolute b!tch.

[Gangis]

Only if the rear one's leaking as well.

[Sentinel]

look and see if you can find any loose exhaust shield/shrouds or other garbage under the hood rattling.

Get a mallet and start whacking stuff (lightly) and see if you cant find anything loose.