Ok.... so my 2002 maxima was diagnosed by the dealership to have a bad vias solenoid, both bad cam sensors and a bad coil. i replaced them all with new parts and also had an oil change where i used valvoline high milage oil and a quart of lucas stabilizer / conditioner added and the freaking chatter is still there! it happens only when accellerating and usually the most noticible after the engine has been run for long enough to be really warm. im wondering if its even a big problem.... the car seems to run alot smoother now but the chatter remains.... any helpful ideas? Thanks.

 

Could be a timing chain related issue. Only way to actually get a better understanding is if you post a video of your noise.

 

Its the valves making the noise im pretty sure... maybe i bought a bad vias solenoid.... or maybe its just cause my car has 182,000 miles.... heh
thanks.

 

The VIAS solenoid has nothing to do with the valves, that solenoid controls a butterfly valve on the side of the intake. Valve train noise is not very common on these engines compared to timing chain/guide issues. 5th gens do not see as much timing chain/guide related issues as 6th gens, but it is still there and needs to be fixed.

There are several VQ35's with over 200k miles that run like new.

 

So... is it a super expensive thing to tighten or whatever the timing chain? is it something that breaks down fast? I really appreciate any help.

 

A bad fuel damper could also produce a ticking (chattering?) noise when engine is warm. You may have yours checked.

 

So as it turns out, it was pinging. i changed the oil to 5/30 weight and added some lucas octane booster and the ping is gone!! finally!!

 

good you hear you got it sorted...what octane fuel are you running