BillN

I don't drive my car much in the winter. I usually start it up and drive it around for a little while every two or three weeks. Today, when I started up my car and lifted the hood I heard a strange clicking/ticking noise. It almost sounded like a turn signal, same cadence and spacing. Any ideas? Please help! Thanks!

NotNew!!NewSN!!

i have the same exact noise, sounds like its coming from the crankshaft or idle air control valve, beats me, sorry i cant help you but i got the same thing goin on,

Badaxxima

Is it only at idle, or does it continue at higher RPMs? Does it change with RPM? Does it stop after a certain amount of time? When I leave mine out in the cold overnight it makes a LOUD clicking sound and the idle zooms to 2000RPM. It goes away after seconds though. I was told it was the valvetrain clicking due to low oil pressure since it's the last thing to receive oil.
-Justin

BillN

It is at idle. I am used to the clicking noise that comes from the engine. This noise is a little different. How fast is the noise you hear?

Superwrench77

bill the noise you are hearing is called lifter drain back. The lifters will clatter when first started and probably last a few seconds. I suggest that you use a nissan oil filter. and 10w30 oil or 5w30. Good oil! Mobil 1 is good, or believe it or not Texaco Havoline is good. If the noise happens a little when warm too, I suggest that you add some transmission oil to the engine, and let it run for about an hour. then change it. I ussually add 1qt, just make sure you take a little oil out before doing this, so not to overfill the engine. Good luck! Superwrench