boatcop1

I bought my 02 Max about 3.5 weeks ago with 18K miles and I'm noticing now that when you start the car on cold mornings its got a quick rapping,tinging sound that last for about 1.5 seconds just till the rpm's drop from the initial start up. I'm a little concerned about this becouse its tough to proove to dealers seeing that the car will already be warmed up by the time I bring it in to show them. Does anyone else have this with their Max and what do you think it is? Lifter(s)?rocker arm? By the way I do have a 100K mile bumper to bumper. any help guys?

I30swimmer

bring it in..
leave it there overnight
in the morning have someone drive you over there and then start it for them.. or the quick fix turn the key to battery only turn up the radio and then start

boondoxmax

iTrader: (1)

might just be that normal cold start clank that the 3.5l make for time to time. ive been told its nothing to worry about.....

Maxima2000SE

when i start my car up in the cold it makes an odd noise around 1,750-2000 rpms, and i was told its my drivebelt that needs to be replaced.

steven88

iTrader: (28)

I think I know what your talking about....they have a TSB for this....it's the VTC Cam Sprocket IIRC.....and I totally forgot the # or link for the TSB....but for sure it's under the FAQ.....

I have this same problem in my 02.....but from what I heard it wont damage the engine if left unserviced....it just makes that noise but won't hurt the engine....correct me if I am wrong?

P. Samson

Seems like you have just noticed this with the colder weather and there are no other issues so it sounds like it is oil pressure (lack of) related during the start. Rapping, tinging is hard to troubleshoot without hearing it obviously. I believe the VQ 35 still has solid direct acting cam followers (No rocker arms!) like the VQ 30 so I don't think its valve train related particularly if there is little valve train noise at normal operating temp. A bearing (big end, small end, or main) with slightly excessive clearance may make a noise until the oil pressure builds up or a piston with side clearance at or sightly beyond the max. limit may "slap" until it gets oil and/or heats up. The timing chains tensioners are hydraulic but I am not sure if when they are "relaxed" if there is any metal to metal contact possibilities. Because this seems temperature (cooler) related just make sure you are using 5w-30 oil for the winter (to shorten the time to build up oil pressure). If it is a HEAVY rap sound take it immediately to a good dealer and have it sit overnight and have their shop foreman or tech. try it. Maybe you'll get a new engine out of Nissan.

boatcop1

Yeah I think thats what I'm gonna do next week just to be sure. Thanks for all the insight. I appreciate it.

CEFIRO

I have a 2000 VQ30DE and it does EXACTLY the same thing! never knew what it is though!!

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Both mine do it, 95 an 03

bladerunr

iTrader: (14)

Try using Mobil 1 0W-40 oil. That should lube the parts and help your cold weather starts.

Love_00_Max

Are you sure it is not the starter motor?

boatcop1

Yeah its deffinatley not the starter. I'm just gonna bring it in and have the dealer check it out.

Darslid

My '02 has been doing it since I got it in January. I have taken it to dealer 2 or 3 times already with no resolution in sight. Apparently it is normal, as others have mentioned. The latest excuse I heard from the dealer, is because I don't use the nissan oil filter. I always use Castrol 5x30 with a Pure One filter, I doubt that would do anything.

Consider it a feature.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

The oil filter theory has been discussed before as it has an anit drain back valve type of mechanism that holds the oil in the engine, or at least closer to the engine, rather than letting it all drain into the pan, so upon start-up, less oil needs to be pumped all the way from the pan into the engine, more available on hand, so taht = less start-up noise.

P. Samson

It ain't the oil filter!!!

Darslid

Yep, that is exactly what they said. I have considered trying it but I don't see Nissan having that much of a better of filter than the Pure One I use (which is a whole new thread that somebody probably has a link to the oil filter comparisons thread - and I could be wrong). I just changed my oil a couple weeks ago; but I will use a Nissan one next time and let you guys know if it is any quieter.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Oh well, whatever it is.... my 95 has done it since I got it at 87k, and still does at 224k, so no big deal.

P. Samson

All filters have the anti-drainback "valve" and a filter bypass valve. I just looked at a Nissan oil filter and a Fram that I have. The Nissan filter does use what appears to be a red silicone rubber material for the anti-drainback valve instead of the usual black neoprene and the Nissan filter has an "O" ring seal instead of the usual flat gasket. No doubt it is a better quality filter at least in that regard. You can decide if that is worth the bucks.