Hi everyone...noobie here. I just inherited a 94 maxima gxe with 122k miles. Everything seems to run fine but there is 1 thing that nag me. One is this engine noise that is audible upon startup and stays even when the engine is warmed up. My mechanic thought it was the distributor but it turned up it was not. Now he believes it's the cam gear/shaft or something like that. The noise sounds almost as if it's the belts but I know for a fact that the belts were replaced at 100K. The estimate of the repair I was told can run around $5-600.

I was told by the mechanic that many maximas exist with this problem and I can drive it for the time being. Money is a little tight and I am looking for second opinions and althernatives. Should I go ahead and drop the money immediately or do you think this is a problem that can be held off? Am I being lied to by my mechanic about getting this repaired or is it a no big deal type of thing? Any help would be appreciated. Sorry I would've done a search but I try to, it tells me that I don't have the rights to yet. Thanks in advance all!

 

I think your talking about a clacking noise that comes from where the belts are located. If this is what your talking about then it is one of your belt pulleys. Ive had the same thing happen on my 89GXE and 92SE and a mechanic tried to charge me up saying that it was cam gear took it to midas and they fixed the pulley for 200 bucks. What does it sound like?

 

*runs outside, turns on ignition*

Ok...at startup, it's a screech noise followed by cackling and once the engine turns over, it's just engine noise but at a higher decibel. It sounds as if belts are too tight but supposedly, it's not the case.

 

The injectors are also known to make a fairly loud ticking sound.

That mechanic doesnt sound like he knows what he's talking about, find a new mechanic.


If its valve train noise, try running a motor flush the next time you do an oil change (follow the instructions). Also, only use 5W30 motor oil.

 

Screaches at start up is usually your fan belt.

 

We have electric radiator fans.