Not sure if it's the oil or filter, but I changed the oil the other day and now my engine seems noisier. I used Quaker State Ultimate synthetic 5W30 since I had a jug lying around and a Fram TG filter. The old drained oil was Mobil 1 0W40. I've used QS 5W30 plenty of times in the past and it's always been a quiet oil. Is it because I switched from a 40 weight oil back to a 30 weight? No leaks and the dipstick level is bang on.

 

Changing the weight shouldn't make a difference.

Did you remove some of the plastic shields and not put all the fasteners back? if it's rattling it might sound like engine noise.

Also, double check and make sure you didn't leave anything under the hood.

 

+1 to checking under the hood for stuff you might've missed. I know I've left a roll of tape on the top of my suspension tower. Somewhere there is a 13mm socket head just rattling away.

I was kind of in the same boat as you with my last oil change. I always use 5w30, year round in Indy. I noticed more noise this time around, but I think it's just a subconscious thing. Everyone thinks I'm crazy when I point it out. Over time I think some people are just prone to noticing tones that are harder to hear and they just become more distinct.

Perhaps next time you change the oil, see if you notice any difference in sound after a week or so.

 

Fram must be the worst. I wouldn't doubt if it's defective and you have low oil pressure. Only their expensive ones are any good and they can still kiss my *** (I stripped the threads on one before it even snugged tight... JUNK).
I bet I have shirts that would act as a better filter than those cardboard only piles of ****.

 

Checked and didn't leave any tools behind in the engine bay. The top of the engine just seems noisier. I'm pretty in-tune with how my cars sound so I can tell when something is off. This is the first time I've used a Fram in this car; usually use Nissan filters. The engine sounds the same during cold starts but gets noisier when warmed up. Don't bad filters usually cause a racket during cold starts? The orange can has a bad rep but the Tough Guard seems to better. I'm running a TG without issue in my Accord right now since it's basically the same as a Honda A02.

 

Have you checked your oil and made sure there's enough in there?

I honestly don't know WHY this happens, but on three separate occasions on older cars when I've switched from regular to synthetic oil, after the first 20 miles or so, the dipstick has read dry. Starts off with "something doesn't feel right," then "man, this is noisy at red lights," and then suddenly an oil light and a dipstick check. No idea where the oil went, but adding a few quarts of regular oil made it right again.

 

I second that, fram is a pretty bad oil filter. I would rather pick up a Bosch, Purolater, or Wix filter before using a fram or STP.

 

yeah i wouldnt use fram oil filters or quaker state brand oil, just my opinion, and from the stories ive heard about quaker state causing sludge buildup.

 

Also, a google search for "fram low oil pressure" yields a lot of results for their cheapos. Apparently, it was a known problem before. I doubt the quality has improved much on the 2 dollar ones.

I picked up 28 (count em ) pl14619s from advance. They're discontinued, so I snatched up all the remaining stock in the area for about 3.50 each with tax (gotta love online codes). These are giant ones for the old ZR-1.

I also snagged a bunch of 14459s for nissans without oil coolers and hondas.

 

Put thicker oil... or get lucas oil stabilizer.

 

Amsoil oil & filters ...

 

There

Switch back to you Nissan filter. The FRAM filter media must be too thick, reducing oil pressure.

 

I can also attest to some time ago when at a buddies house on the whim decided to do an oil change with a jug from my trunk with a fram that he happened to have, that fit...and my engine was noisier as well. I imagine has to do with low oil pressure as mentioned.

I changed the fram filter soon after to what i always use and trust. MANN filters. Noise issues resolved..it offers the Best bang for the buck and performance IMO. Iv had my maximas for over 7 8 years and MANN is all i buy now in bulk from rockauto. Also helps