EDIT:
Consensus says it's the timing chain. I have not done it yet but figured it might be helpful to some...

Writeups/helpful info:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....t=timing+chain
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=472722

Parts online:
http://www.autopartsworld.com/1999_n...ner_parts.html
http://www.autozone.com/N,15100723/s...eResultSet.htm
http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...de=13091-31U26
http://shop.nissanpartstore.com/buy....q&make_code=NI
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...pe=462&ptset=A

Pic:

/EDIT

It's been doing it since I've gotten it (over 3 years now). I have done some research on this but I only see stuff on the 92-94 Maxima VEs...nothing on the VQ in mine.

It's more prevalent on startup and then while it's cold. But now it's starting to do it more and more. I will say that I hardly remember it doing it when fully warmed up though.

Any ideas? I am assuming it's timing chain related and as far as I know, it's never been changed (240K). Are there any writeups on how to fix this?

Thanks!

 

It's more than likely the main timing chain tensioner. IIRC on your '95 you can only swap out the o-ring & plunger from the new style tensioner/guide......or remove the entire timing cover to replace with the updated guide as well than you can use the newer tensioner, not worth doing imho. There was a pretty good thread kicking around a few months ago about this and the new metal gasket for the tensioner, there are two timing chain tick tsb's for your car.

 

do this... there is a PCV hose that connects both valve covers together.. its on the right side if ur looking at the motor, it looks like a U.. remove it from one valve cover and put your ear to it.. then do it to the other valve cover.. listen to hear clicking it might be the valve train as welll...

 

It's on the right side of the motor, but the left side as you look at it from the front of the engine bay.

 

I think it is just a quirk that the first editions of the VQ30 had.....mine does it too but my buddies 97 with almost double the miles doesnt have it....

 

Yeah my '95 is loud as hell.

 

could also be that one of the valves has too much clearance from the camshaft lobes, Mine is like that. and after I tried to fix it and realized how much work is involved I decided to just get used to it, and play my music louder.

The symptoms of this is if its a very defined clicking. and is typicaly coming from right under the valve cover. check either the front or back valve cover. and if it speed up when you rev it. however the chain tensioner will do that too. the chain tensioner is more of a rattling noise where as the valve problem will be just a straight click. click. click

 

Well if it was happening all the time, it could be injectors. My injectors are insanely loud, i thought it was valve train related, but i listened with a s***hoscope and i heard nothing from my valve covers, just my injectors going crazy.

my 02 doesnt make injector noise, but i hear its somewhat common with 4th gens.

 

I've just gotten used to it. On a cold start-up, it reminds me of a quiet-er diesel. But I'm standing by for the VQ35 swap.

 

I'm pretty sure this is what it is. How often are you supposed to change the timing chain? Would doing the chain also fix my rattling/clicking problem or are there other parts needed too?

 

I had the same noisy startup problem on my old 95 SE. I replaced the tensioner assembly via the access plate on the passenger side of the timing cover. It was a little black plate with 3 or 4 screws securing it. New part from Nissan was about $55. Within a 1/2 hr. I was done and it was very quiet after that. Relatively easy swap but just be careful as to not let anything fall into the timing case when you have the access panel popped off. I stuffed a rag into the bottom of the hole so that no screws fall down there. Check around for complete write-ups, they are out there.

 

yea you have the old style tensioner...swap it out for the new style one like the guy above me said. you wont have any problems.

 

I as well, only instead, a DEK.

 

Will I need a new timing chain too or just swap out the tensioner and leave my 240K chain there?

I'll check for write ups...if it's that easy, I'm going to be one happy guy! lol

 

I don't believe that you would need a new timing chain. If your timing jumped a sprocket tooth, you would know it. These chains rarely need replacement, and are designed to last the life of the vehicle. It is, however, possible that the chain could be s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d...but not snapped like timing belts. Since replacing the tensioner is relatively easy, I would recommend swapping it out with a new one from the dealer. If the chain needs replacing, then you wouldn't have really wasted time & money by replacing the tensioner because that part would have been changed with the new chain anyways. Worth a shot.

 

OK, so only get a new tensioner but only replace the insides from new to the old and reinstall (though it does seem that the new styled tensioner will work).

Sounds good!