Start-Up Noise

[G20Rob3]

Ok, here's the situation. When I start my car, I get this noise that sounds like a helicopter starting up or something. It happens in the mornings and when the car's been sitting for a long time. It's a really brief sound (only lasts a second or two), then the car starts normal. I've never had a problem before. Anybody have a suggestion?

[nis.k.a.]

Welcome to the club! Just about everyone has this "problem" (not really a problem). It's the HVLA (or valve lash adjustment) pumping up. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt anything. I have this in my car (and my old G20). It's normal to me now.

[northwestrally]

My '94 G20t does the same thang.....maybe it's more pronounced in the Evergreen State, huh?

When my car was at a Nissan stealer in Bend, Oregon a couple months ago (injector plugged while on business trip) I asked the Nissan tech to quickly diagnose the sound. He told me it was from the "bottom end."

Having owned a few rod-knock junkers in my youth, I knew for sure this tech had no idea what he was talking about (or else he gets a commission for scaring ignorant customers!). Further diagnosis proved it's just the HVLA's doing their little warm-up exercise.

So, in summary...... fear not! Regards, Don

[G20Rob3]

I'm taking her into the shop next week. Let's see what they tell me the problem is. I described it over the phone, and the tech said it sounded like the timing....???? Hmm.... We'll see....

[P10DET]

Originally posted by nis.k.a.
Welcome to the club! Just about everyone has this "problem" (not really a problem). It's the HVLA (or valve lash adjustment) pumping up. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt anything. I have this in my car (and my old G20). It's normal to me now.

This is the correct answer. If you still want to take your car to the dealer, why not just send me the money and save yourself some time?

[b-b00gie]

Are we speaking of a "raspie" "grinding-like" noise almost?

I get this sometimes (not all) when I start my car. Mainly in the winter when its cold out.

First time I heard it I thought my cams were messed up.

[P10DET]

Originally posted by b-b00gie
Are we speaking of a "raspie" "grinding-like" noise almost?

Perhaps you are experiencing starter squeal. That is also quite common and doesn't hurt anything but our ears.

The other start-up issue is clatter. A very rapid ticking that lasts a couple of seconds as well.

[RCer]

Good to hear that I'm not the only one. I have that sound since the car was new, and I was really worried.

It's a relief to hear about the HVLA (whatever that is). Another point for love AF, and the fellows AF'ers.

[G20Rob3]

Well, I took it to the dealer. It was the starter! They said that it was dying a slow death. So, they replaced it for me (under warranty). I guess it wasn't the HVLA becuase there is no noise whatsoever now...

[T4 Primera]

Originally posted by RCer
It's a relief to hear about the HVLA (whatever that is).

HVLA = Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjusters. They take a little pumping up sometimes.

[GtRider]

i have a 94 g
when i start my car i hear a squeakin noise coming from my engine bay,
but it goes away after a couple of seconds
does anyone know what that noise is?

i hear the noise coming from the left side of my engine...

[doodledo824]

yep same prob here, but it only seems to happen when it's really cold . i've never heard it in the summer

[P10DET]

Originally posted by doodledo824
yep same prob here, but it only seems to happen when it's really cold . i've never heard it in the summer

First of all, it doesn't appear to hurt anything. Second, keep driving it. You'll eventually hear it in the summer.

BTW, the starter in my SE-R has squealed for 100k miles now.

[Stogie82]

Anyway to fix starter squeal??? besides replace it ?

[P10DET]

Originally posted by Stogie82
Anyway to fix starter squeal??? besides replace it ?

Push start it? :right: