engine noise during cold start - Maxima

I have a '96 Maxima SE 5-speed that I bought new. It has 69K miles and I've always changed the oil every 3K miles (Castrol 10/30) with a Nissan filter. Every now and then during a cold start, I get a 'clatter' that sounds like lifter noise on an old Chevy for about 1-4 seconds. This usually occurs when the car has been sitting for at least 4-5 hours with ambient temp of less than 60 deg F. This started just over a year ago, so my Nissan dealer replaced all three timing chain tensioners at 58K on the last day of the 5 year/60K powertrain warranty. This did not fix the problem, so they messed around with it a few more times, replacing the starter (which was making noise & going bad) and 'listening'.

When the ambient temp went up last Spring, the frequency was less, so my dealer recommended that I keep a log of when it made the noise. Since last April, it happened about 70 times. I also noticed that gas mileage went down about 10% or so during this time. I took the car in on 12/26 and left it, since the 12 month/12K mile warranty on the repair was about up. I provided the dealer with all of the documentation on frequency, past maintenance, etc. I bought the car at this dealer and service it there, so they have been very cooperative. However, they seem to be stumped. I think that the noise sounds like either HVLA (hydraulic valve lash adjusters), timing chain tensioner(s), or perhaps rod bearings. Otherwise, the car runs okay, but it's hard to tell if I've had any degradation of performance.

I've asked the dealer to check oil pressure, as the 'idiot light' flickers more than it ought to upon starting. Other than a compression check or pulling the oil pan/cam covers and checking for anything obvious, I don't know what else to do. Has anyone had a similar experience with a VQ-series engine? If so, what happened? I'm sure that it will go forever like this, but I want other opinions. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

BTW, I do like to drive hard, but I also keep revs below 3K until warm, etc.

Originally posted by tmr
I have a '96 Maxima SE 5-speed that I bought new. It has 69K miles and I've always changed the oil every 3K miles (Castrol 10/30) with a Nissan filter. Every now and then during a cold start, I get a 'clatter' that sounds like lifter noise on an old Chevy for about 1-4 seconds. This usually occurs when the car has been sitting for at least 4-5 hours with ambient temp of less than 60 deg F. This started just over a year ago, so my Nissan dealer replaced all three timing chain tensioners at 58K on the last day of the 5 year/60K powertrain warranty. This did not fix the problem, so they messed around with it a few more times, replacing the starter (which was making noise & going bad) and 'listening'.

When the ambient temp went up last Spring, the frequency was less, so my dealer recommended that I keep a log of when it made the noise. Since last April, it happened about 70 times. I also noticed that gas mileage went down about 10% or so during this time. I took the car in on 12/26 and left it, since the 12 month/12K mile warranty on the repair was about up. I provided the dealer with all of the documentation on frequency, past maintenance, etc. I bought the car at this dealer and service it there, so they have been very cooperative. However, they seem to be stumped. I think that the noise sounds like either HVLA (hydraulic valve lash adjusters), timing chain tensioner(s), or perhaps rod bearings. Otherwise, the car runs okay, but it's hard to tell if I've had any degradation of performance.

I've asked the dealer to check oil pressure, as the 'idiot light' flickers more than it ought to upon starting. Other than a compression check or pulling the oil pan/cam covers and checking for anything obvious, I don't know what else to do. Has anyone had a similar experience with a VQ-series engine? If so, what happened? I'm sure that it will go forever like this, but I want other opinions. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

BTW, I do like to drive hard, but I also keep revs below 3K until warm, etc.

Yes, this same problem happened to me with both my 4th gens and has also occured with my fifth gen but not as frequently. I suspected this was due to all the oil draining to the pan and changed to synthetic but the problem reoccurred but when I did the same to the fifth gen the problem went away.

I was going to say your timing chain is lose but if they replaced tensioners then you should be OK. 4th gen's don't have lifters or adjusters on the valves. It's a bucket and shim setup. There's very little maintanance to do on the valves. Adjusting them is a VERY intense process. My Yamaha has this setup. Pain in the A$$. I don't think Nissan even has a reccomended adjustment interval.

Back to your noise.. What worries me is you say your oil light flickers. That says 2 things.
1) Your oil pump is weak or...
2) You have a bypass valve or antidrainback valve which is not holding oil pressure. I think the antidrainback valve is in the oil filter. That valve should hold oil up in the oil passages so your car isn't starving for oil upon startup. Your using Nissan filters, thats good. They make a good quality filter. I'm not so sure if our cars have a pressure relief valve in the oil filters or built into our cars lub. system. The pressure bypass valve is designed to open up if your oil filter becomes plugged so your car will not starve for oil at any time.

There's a few things to really take a look at here. I'd have the dealer do a test on your oil pump. Make sure your getting enough pressure. Also you may just for kicks use a different filter and see if your problem continues. Get a good quality filter, don't use a fram or some cheap K-mart crap. Mobil 1 is good filter. I use castrol filters. Check the maxima.org web site. There is some good info up there on oil and filters.

I did ask the dealer to check the oil pressure, which they are going to do. You may be onto something about the filter check valve, so I might try a Mobil 1 filter as you suggest. I don't think that there are any other internal check valves, but I could be wrong. Does anyone else have any idea?

Thanks for the responses!

Might be VCT solenoid

From what I've heard somewhere is (can't remember where though) is that the noise you are hearing is in regards to no oil being on the timing chain when you go for a cold start, that is why after running your vehicle and then shutting it down and starting it right back up you won't hear that noise again until your car has been idle for several hours.

I could be wrong in your case though because you reported other problems along with the noise. Go to the dealer and see if they can determine your problem and then take your car to 2 other certified mechanics for a second and third opinion but make sure that they are familiar with the VQ and VG engines before letting them diagnose your engine.

Good luck

I got the same noise as well coming from my car. I checked it out and yes, one/two of your belts are either loose or old. I first thought it was the starter, but its not. I changed both belts and the noise no longer exists. The belts are located near your alternator.

btw-those belts=pain in the ass to change.

sorry, i didnt fully read your passage above. Disregard my previous entry. i was unaware that you changed your tensioner.

have the same with a '92. grounded the vct solenoid & it went away