My engine ticks at an idle and i can kinda hear it while driving and it's starting to concern me. I know its old(1997 w/115,000) but is there anything i can do??? My friend has a 1996 maxima with 159,000 and his engine idles way quieter than mine. I heard that it could be a noisy timing chain, but im not sure. If you could help me out that would be great. Thanks

 

It's a BOMB!!! Sell it ASAP.

 

Mine makes a regular ticking sound too, and not just at idle. Key just needs to be at the 'On' position and the engine begins to tick. I'm going to post a video in hopes someone has a clue, because I sure don't.

 

most likely just your fuel injectors. i've noticed it's quite loud on alot of nissans. if it isn't, then it's something internal most likely.

 

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Injectors, even when the engine is not idling (just key in 'On' position)? Doesn't sound like it's the fi's since the sound doesn't seem like it's coming from that area. Could be, dunno. No codes though.

 

We really cant tell you whats going on wihtout looking at the car. It can be just normal lifter noise, timing chain tensioner, injectors or who knows maybe a bad valve. Take it somewhere to get it checked out.

 

Hmm, mine also ticks. But I am positive that it is one of the EVAP canisters that sit on top of plenum. Its kindof annoying, but I havnt looked for a new one yet. I have noticed that my mpg has droped by 2. This may be the reason.

 

every nissan I have ever heard is quite loud at idle...they all tick in my experiences, it's normal lifter noise coupled by spark plug/injector noise

we do have a timing chain system, which has it's benefits over a timing belt system, however, the engine is louder at idle and at small loads as a downfall...I don't really mind so much...my engine has 132K miles on it and still pulls pretty strong...albeit it is a bit noisy....but I know my timing chain tensioner needs to be replaced, so that might quiet it a bit down when I get around to replacing it...