HELP? Every once and a while starting my cold engine it sounds like it's dry starting. A sound likened to starting an engine with a new dry oil filter in it. I have only 750 miles on it. Is this typical of these cars? Its a 2002 maxima......
thanks for any info

 

It's the notorius timing chain rattle. On a cold soak, I sometimes get it. The official line from Nissan is that it is normal, however some people have had the noise corrected. It is caused by momentary lack of lubrication until the chain picks up circulated oil. I sounds horrible but all reports are that there is no real damage (??). You are not alone.

 

This has been discussed before a little on the board. You might want to do a search to see what others are saying, but I know you are not the first to mention this. I thought I was exempt from this little "feature" but mine did it for the first (and so far only) time the day before yesterday!

 

oh yah, I should have mentioned that mine is also a 2k2, 6speed, and has approx 6500 miles on it.

 

Yeah... it's freakin annoying

My Hyundai sounded better @ startup...

G

 

Had this in my 95 max, but not in my 2000 I30. In the 95 max the noise seemed better when I switched to synthetic oil.

I wonder why the problem has retured with the 2002 Max? Seems the 2000-01 Max don't have this problem. I guess it's the price to pay for the extra poneys of the 3.5 VQ.

 

Yeah I have a 2002 auto se and my does it just about every morning. Only when it is cold though. Its annoying! Maybe some WD-40 COULD HELP! LOL