I have a 97 SE auto and it has a ticking in the front of the motor(where the timing chain is). But here is the thing, it only makes the noise at idle or low driving RPM's. When load is put on the motor the sound goes away.I searched on the site and only found the tensioner issues to be always ticking at any speed or at colder temperatures/cold start. Mine happens all the time,no matter what. (until there is moderate throttle on the motor).



So what do you think?

 

capture a sound clip so we can compare to my noise...Click here to watch VQ30-Start-up-knock2

I have another thread going on this. hopefully we'll figure it out...
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=486256

 

Usually the Tensioner Noise is only really heard if you stick your head down by the tensioner and listen. Or your inside your car, you can hear it really well. The sound your motor is making, sounds to me like its a lifter noise. Doesnt sound to good. Try switching from that Zero weight Oil your using, to a normal 10W-30 or a 5W-30.

-matt

 

ok, after re-reading my thread....its more of a rattle, almost like a a piece of metal smacking together. A tick is the wrong term, i know what lifter tick is...(i had a TT Stealth.... notorious lifter issue car). This is from the front , under the cover. Ill try to make a sound clip.....

 

maybe its the chain hitting the slack guide and after the centrifical force from the motor reving up its causing the tension to pull the chain away from hitting the slack guide???????????




just a guess

 

I agree somewhat with this suggestion. New tensioner or new guide (start with tensioner) or both appears to be the way to solve the issue.

The force is centrifugal, by the way. If the sound comes and goes with the revving of the engine, the tension is likely not correct on the timing chain. As you open the throttle, you are most likely picking up just enough slack to keep the chain from dragging.