Ticking noise after incident..

[Lockdown_2001]

Hi Maxima people.
This question os for my brothers 1994 Maxima GXE.
He was driving around and hit a rock, it hit on the underside of his car. After this his car has a prominent ticking noise coming from where the injectors are, Maybe inside the valve cover. Its coming from the side of the engine closest to the firewall. There are no exhaust leaks, that was the first thing we checked for. Any idea as to what it could be?

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by Lockdown_2001

...what it could be?

Good bump = Hearing repaired? Maybe No connection, or if so, possibly exhaust manifold bolts broken. That is a nasty place to reach, time consuming and thus pricey ['easy' mech job]. For GXE see links below, and DO clic clic the Favorite Links

One probability is valve lifters. Dirty oil channels, wrong oil filter (non ideal back pressure). Whattodo: Seafoam cleanup, oil change with Nissan filter. Hope the best...

If doesnt hlp, possibly lifters have to be repaired. Go to a Nissan shop for problem/sound verification, ask, dont let them do anythin (if you have THAT money, buy new maxima). The ½minute hood up -diagnosis should not cost, but pay some $ if they are so sore. Ask for a quotation, then few other recommended shops, then decide.

[Lockdown_2001]

Isnt it just odd that the rock hit the bottom of the engine and now the top has a ticking noise?

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by Lockdown_2001

...the rock hit the bottom of the engine ...

Are there physical hit-marks on the oil pan, dents?

As said, w/o seeing I can guess those two issues:
- First is related to sudden shock and already weakened exhaust bolts break
- Second is lifter sound/oil pressure related: possible no relation.

If oil pan rutted & oil suck properties weakened, will cause engine demise. Check oil pressure before using the engine.