when i bought my car 4 years ago, i vowed to learn how to do my own work for the first time in my life. this place has been invaluable as a resource. i'm not saying i could switch out a tranny just yet, but wow the things i never thought i would be able to do...

the 5.5 engine's famous reliability made me vow to get 300k miles out of her and start to learn to do all of my own work. today i took on what most here would consider easy i'm sure, but for someone who had never even done his own brakes until 4 years ago, this was a major milestone. i changed out the front valve cover. ordered from dave b's referral at gunn nissan, of course. discount parts, do your own work - its beer:30!









thanks again guys!

also love to give a shoutout to the craftsman max axxess socket set. awesome little set of tools!

 

of course, the true test will be when i fire her up in a couple hours. hopefully everyone was right about not having to let the silicone set up for the full 24 hours. if i get oil shooting out, i'll report back

 

took her for a spin. everything seems ok.

 

Next Project: Restore Headlights.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-39045-Lens-...estoration+kit

 

Are you on your original radiator and coolant hoses? Seems that you have a leak (2nd picture, bottom left corner).
If you are, it is probably good maintenance at you mileage. It is a very simple procedure and will only take a few hours (that is you taking your time).

 

def on the headlights. also the start up rattle, the 2k rpm rattle and the mystery right front wheel rattle.

and thats a new radiator, the carnage you see is from the old leaky one.

 

Referring to the rattle on the down-spool or the rattle during acceleration?
The one on acceleration can be maintained by constantly checking your oil level and making sure it is high. Rattle is due to the timing chain not getting properly lubricated.
As for the rattle on the down-spool, I also have it and I am currently trying to diagnose it. I am getting my precats gutted soon so hopefully that will cure it.

 

Ditto the kudos to maxima.org. I've saved several thousand dollars by coming here over the years instead of stealerships.

 

Nice find! $10.64 after rebate. And it includes protectant. Don't buy a restoration kit that doesn't include protectant or else you'll be de-hazing the headlights every 2 months.

 

not sure what downspool means. mine has the 2k rpm at low speed thingy. prolly the precats from the hours i have spent here trying to diagnose it. the start up i am guessing is a motor mount or also the same problem with the pre cats. the one on the right front while going over bumps at medium speed i still have no clue.

as for the new valve cover, everything appears to be fine and the oil level is the same. so far so good!

 

when your rpms drop after you rev your engine, that is the down spool...

 

yep, then thats the one.

 

I had that, was bank 1's pre-cat. Once I changed it I got some power back and no annoying noise on the down rev.

 

A 2k timing chain rattle is pretty common. The timing chain tensioner depends on oil pressure. As the RPM increase, so does the oil pressure and the tensioner tightens the timing chain and the rattle stops.

This often occurs when the oil level is low (hence the oil pressure is not sufficient) or there is a problem with the tensioner. I guess it could also be the timing chain guides.

 

Timing chain (and engine pinging) is a common diagnosis for various rattling noises, but may be overkill for something as simple as a $30 tension pulley. Pulleys (tensioner, alternator, AC) can wear over time, causing a noise often perceived as a "rattle".