I assume it is broken studs making the ticking noise that doesn't even go away anymore after warm up.Is this hurting my gas mileage, cause i am getting 18 miles per gallon town/highway combined..Is this hurting my exhaust valves?Could this be my 02 sensor on it's last legs?
What brand of brake pads provides the best stopping power?
Any early signs of a timing belt about to go.
Anybody have a k/n drop in?If so notice any more power?

91 SE Auto

 

Before you assume its broken studs, check to make sure you dont have an exhaust leak at the gasket or maybe like me a hole in the manifold, actually mine was in my stock y pipe under the heat shield. just a good reason to get a y pipe or 300 ZX manifolds. My leak started with a little ticking and then the throaty sound of my exhaust leaking through a tiny hole. Hope this helps, let me know!!

 

Ive got an exhuast leak too. 2 studs are rusted out causing the leak by the gasket. I can tell its the gasket because when I frist start my car and when its still cold, I can really hear the leak. Once it gets warmed up, the gasket expands to fill and stop the leak.

 

I had the same problem with my y pipe when I first got my car. There was a huge hole in the center of the y pipe under the heat shield. My mechanic couldnt really tell if my studs were broken off since the exhaust leak was so bad. I got the y pipe replaced and the sounds were almost gone. I am now left with a deep throaty sound and light tapping sound when accelerating. When the engine is cold, however, there is no ticking at idle. But it is a bit louder than I think its supposed to be. So, check out all the other parts first. Isnt there a way you can test leaks? I thought there was some kind of light that picks up the gasses? I dont know how it affects your gas mileage though. As for timing belt, I replaced mine in July. There is really no definite sign that a timing belt is on its way out. But you should be able to hear it in that general location of the engine. Although that may be tough if you have a lot of noise from your exhast. Before I replaced my T belt, I would hear some rattling when I reved the engine. It made a "loosy" sound, but I also replaced it because the car had 115k on it and I did not know if the previous owner had done the job. Turned out that the belt was in fact on its way out and it was a good thing I chaged it when I did. If you dont know the service history of your car, then you should probably get it done. Especially if the car has high miles. It is also a good idea to change any pulleys, belts, seals, the tensioner or water pump at the same time you get the timing belt done. It will save you $$ and ensure them working for another 60K.
Hope this helps. Peace.

 

When i had my exhaust manifolds repaired, i was told it was a defect from Nissan, that the metal used to create those bolts wouldnt last about as long as weve had them. So when mine were replaced, he used a different metal for bolts and nuts and they are good for life. When i went under there to see what caused such a ticking noise, i noted at least 3 bolts and nut sets completely missing! A local hotrod mechanic in centeral Jersey fixed it for me for $600 mostly the labor.


John
92 Maxima GXE

 

1 of my exhaust manifold studs sheered with the rest of the stud still in the head. If it was on the front bank I could use an easy out and back it out but it's next to the firewall still don't have the $$ to fix it so what the hell. I could care less bout the sound, I'm still king of the NISSANS in Collierville TN

 

Brad...

you live in collierville, huh? i go to school in chicago, but i live in germantown. we're practically neighbors man.

 

No kiddin'!! Next time you come back from school you oughta check out my Max just let me know neighbor

 

I saw one of those car/repair shows over last weekend on TNN and they said that a manifold leak causes turbulance and robs as much as 15hp from that cylinder!