I let my 2001 Maxima sit for 4 days and started her up and the engine sounded terrible for the first few seconds. Like the oil settled in the pan. Is this normal???I live in south Texas, so it was pretty warm outside.

 

What kind of oil and filter are you using? Who's changing it and how often?

 

I use 5W-30 and I change the oil every 3k miles...like clockwork. What do you think?

 

What brand of Oil? and type of filter ... (does it have anti-drain back, etc). Could have been fuel gone bad in the lines or water, as they will seperate when not running thru the lines ... my .02

 

Sounds like chain rattle to me. Nothing to worry about if the car was left parked for 4 days. I leave my car parked for 2-3 weeks at a time.

 

Manny, do a quick search and you'll find some recent threads on this. It's normal (if it only lasts for a sec or so), so don't worry.

 

Don't worry, I've had the same thing in my 2k3 with 6k miles. Apparently (per a previous post), the timing chain adjusters work on oil pressure, and it takes a second or two for the pressure to raise. So sometimes you'll hear a clatter at start-up.

I think a search for "cold start" will find the thread.