Anything about the design of a 99 Maxima that would cause a knock at startup - like really infrequently. My 99 at 3000 miles on a 30 degree morning after a two day sit, knocked (sounded like valve tap) for about 30 seconds - thats really a long time. Had a nissan filter on it.

did it again today at 51000 miles 2 day sit 60 degree weather (hurricane had gone thru - low pressure) had a 1 week old Pure one filter on it. It has not done it before after sitting 2 weeks.

what gives with this type knock - anyone else had same prob?

 

My sound was more of a chain chatter only on cold start up, sure enough it was the tensioner on my timing chain was shot, but I believe this is a thing particular to 95's, ended up replacing the chain at the same time. Don't know if this helps.



Or it could be this guy:

 

I'm thinking in the likes of MAXRB8 too. Your description of a "knock", is it more like a chain chatter or a rattle?

As some VQs rack on the miles, seems that the chain tensioner starts to exhibit these symptoms. My Maxima does that on some rare occasions with a cold engine, it goes away after a few seconds.

 

mine has a knock that sounds exactly like piston slap - only happens during first morning start up - one slap after that is quiet and smooth
97SE with 140K

Nick.

 

i had that problem when i was using 87 octane. but after i switch over to 91 octane i never encount that problem for 2 years+....