This has happened to my 2k1 twice now... when I start it after sitting for a couple days, there will be a very brief soft clatter. Sounds like cold-start lifter clatter that was common in older American V6's and V8's when the oil would drain down to the pan, starving the lifters for oil until it was pumped back up. Only in my Max it is much softer sounding and much shorter in duration.

It was considered fairly normal in those old beasts, and a good reminder to let the motor idle a little before driving away. Is this normal for Maxima motors? Like I said, this has happened only twice yet I frequently let the car sit in the garage for two-three day intervals.I have 29,000 miles on it and run 10w-30 oil.

BuddyWh

 

Well it can happen, since the 10W oil is kinda thicker than 5W and when it sits there, there aint much oil up in the lifters.

 

you have a metal timing chain. it may sound like lifters. then again, lifters can do this, but it may be as simple as a noisy cold chain.

 

not an issue at all. I just heard a near new MB E320 do it tonight...light clatter for a couple secs till the oil moves.

 

mine does it also for a few seconds after a cold start.... the chain causing the slight noise does make sense

 

With dual overhead cams and all the valve train hardware, these engines will be a little rough sounding upon start up.
This is why I use Mobil 1.
I used to have a 1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 and after sitting for a few days the noise on start up was really gut wrentching. 12 dry cyclinders and valves made quiet a racket. This really bothered me.
My old 89 SE Max with single cams made virtually no noise on start up.