My 94SE is clacking really, really loud. It started softly about 4 weeks ago. (I first thought it was just the Nissan tick. Not now, it sounds like a diesel motor.) Any idea how long before the motor goes BOOM?

I read something about VTC clack. What does VTC stand for?

The chirp/squack/squeal I hear when starting is probably a broken stud. This has been happening for 6 months or so now.

MY 94SE has 194k miles on it. And, over the last 6 to 8 weeks my gas mileage has gone from 26.6mpg ave to 28.1mpg ave. The same route, the same driving style; not too fast, not too slow.

Any ideas? Park it and part it out?

I can almost guarantee it is the VTC clack, (Variable Timing Control) It gets pretty bad in high milage VE's with the exception of a few. Some VE's can go a very long time with it clacking loudly without having a problem, but don't freek out when your engine takes a ****.

There is a write-up on how to ground/disable them here:

http://www.geocities.com/bracecraig/maxima/vtc/vtc.html

Thanks for the link my clacking is super loud.

Look through the stickies, both of you.

When you hear chirping or squealing, it is usually a loose or worn belt. Often times an alternator belt. I put Gatorback belts on mine and haven't heard a sound out of them.

Exhaust studs usually make a light ticking sound. If you inspect the exhaust manifolds closely, you will usually see soot around where they are leaking out.

The VTC clacking is the diesel sound. There are ways to minimize it or hopefully help them last longer. Mostly changing the oil frequently and using a Toyota filter.

The only real cure is to have them rebuilt or replaced, which is very expensive at a shop and labor intensive if you do it yourself. Grounding them will usually make them quiet down (not always) but sometimes causes idle trouble.

Too late. The motor died yesterday. It didn't go boom. Rather, it just slowed down at idle until it stopped--just as if it were going to sleep. Now, it won't start. Luckily this happened after I pulled into the driveway for the evening.

I'm gonna miss this car!

So, the answer to my question is: 4 to 5 weeks.

I read through the stickies. Good information. I didn't see much soot. The belts are only a year old.


Thanx...for the information.

just now read the thread.... a sound that bad is usually a bad timing chain or disintegrating rod or bearing.

in any case, that engine is gone. don't even bother tearing it down unless you like seeing carnage. just get another engine or sell the car.

Rod knock. Finally seized. If the body/interior is in good condtion, Tony might want it.

Are you on NWMax?

Like Jeff said, Tony might want it, depending on the condition and price. Look up the s/n "Yourself"

Otherwise, you might want to just put it on CL as a shell or start parting it out.

sigh...another one gone...

Do I need another project?

I have extra parts.

If you are bored and want to work on a 3rd gen, I will pay you to rebuild my VTCs.

Or...you can just swap in that "spare" engine you have...

LOL I have no spare engines. Still have the crap I was mocking up on it though. heh

I remember a thread where you were talking about selling the "crap"