I HAVE A 1995 MAXIMA GLE WITH 161K MILES ON IT. THERE IS A KNOCK WHEN I FIRST START THE CAR FOR ABOUT 6-7 SECONDS AND GOES AWAY - IT GETS PRETTY LOUD. I WAS WONDERING IF SWITCHING TO SYNTHETIC OIL WOULD HELP THIS OR TRYING A BOTTLE OF LUCAS. IS THIS NORMAL ON THESE ENGINES TO DO THAT WHEN FIRST STARTED?? WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE IT STOP?

 

I bet the vavle that holds oil in the filer has failed...
It probably happens quite less when the car has just been turned off and then you turn it right back on.. and is most noticable on cold days
when the motor has not run in a few hrs... Other option is the chain tensiner is hydrolic and leaks when car is off... so u hear the timing chain rattle around till it rebuilds pressure..
No big deal on either item.. just don't rev till the noise goes away...

 

THANK YOU -- THIS NOISE IS ONLY THERE THE FIRST TIME THE CAR IS STARTED AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT. I WAS THINKING MAYBE A VALVE OR LIFTER IS STICKING? ANY ADVISE ON SYNTHETIC OIL OR TRYING LUCAS?

 

Your timing chain tensioner is leaking down over night and your timing chain is slapping around. Unfortunately it's an expensive fix but should be taken car of. If your timing chain jumps, your gonna be in trouble!