I have a 92 Maxima with what sounds like a bad valve tap. It ruins the whole sound to the engine, but does not degrade performance and it does not burn any oil. The tap is not constant and seems to be less right after and oil change, but comes back after about 100 miles or so. Even after that 100 miles it still has it's quite times. Any idea on anything I can do to quite my engine? Thanks for any help.

 

if you have an se do a search for VTCs they make that kind of sound when they are going bad

 

After doing some research this is def my problem. I have no doubt about it. The rebuild looks expensive and pretty much has not guarentee's that it will not happen again. Let me know what you think about this re-wire page I found regarding the VTCs. http://www.geocities.com/bracecraig/maxima/vtc/vtc.html

Thanks for the input...hopefully I will have my engine sounding good again soon!

 

Replacing the VTCs isn't too hard at all. All you have to do is remove the intake manifold and both valve covers. Then remove both upper timing chain covers (front is easy, rear is tough, you'll scrape your knuckles here!). Then with a big adjustable wrench, hold the intake cams while you break the VTC bolts loose. Remove the VTCs, taking note of which chain link matched up with the mark on the sprocket of the VTC (the mark is hidden by the chain so you'll have to watch as you remove it). Then find the marks on the new ones and line them up with the chain mark. Replace both and voila.

Of course it's quite a bit more complicated than that, but that's the general idea. You can get new VTC's for about $350 each shipped, a couple gaskets and liquid gasket should run ya $800 total to replace if you do them yourself. $1000 at a mechanic. Just tell him you need to replace the intake cam sprockets, they dont care about the true function of the VTC. And if you told them, they might charge more because it's more important

 

i wouldnt suggest the rewire cuz they can get stuck and destroy your engine, just replace them when they get too annoying-->
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