I had posted a while ago on this forum about a cold knock at start up. A real quick rap that goes away within 2 sec. I have been a mechanic for 13 years and I am certain it's a low end noise. I just bought the car (98SE 40K) so I changed the oil and filter (there was a Fram oil filter on it) and replaced it with Amsoil 5w30 Synthetic and a Nissan oil filter. I was concerned about the anti-drainback valve being defective in the Fram filter. This seemed to lessen the noise somewhat, but I can still hear it on a cold morning or when the car has been sitting. I spoke to a Nissan service manager and he said that the noise is normal to "some extent". Maybe he doesn't wan't to get into doing an engine - I don't know. Those guys will do anything to get out of warranty work. I'll force the issue if I have to though.
I think part of the problem could be the fact that the engine revs to 2 grand on start up and then quickly goes back down to 1 grand until it warms up. This can't be healthy for a dry engine. Does anyone here have any tips for adjusting that cold start idle? Is there any kind of trick with the TPS or anything? I know that in most cases all that is computer controlled, but I thought I would ask.
Also, what's the deal with the clutch? Does it just suck on these cars or what. I've driven everything from motorcycles to tractor trailers and I just can't seem to get a smooth start with this thing. That clutch "groan" is annoying (though it seems to get worse after a long trip) and I can't seem to get a smooth slip out of the thing in first gear. I mean, either I just release the clutch at low revs and let the car kind of lug away or I'm burning rubber. Kind of hard to describe. If there is one thing I don't like about these cars, it's the gearbox (shifter) and clutch.
Thanks

 

bump!

 

I think you will find that alot of people have noticed this "knock" that you describe during a cold start after the car has been sitting for over 20 hours or so. I get an oil change every 3,000 miles and have noticed still noticed that noise. So I'm pretty sure that I can rule out a faulty oil filter. Maybe the oil filter design has a flaw. Who knows. It just bothers me that the car makes this horrible noise and the dealer has also told me that it's "normal".

 

Well I think a sure way to eliminate the knocking noise is to crank the engine first, but don't let it start. Then crank again to start the car. The initial cranking gets the oil shooting up into the engine to fill the upper parts of the engine, especially the valve area where the noise usually occurs.

I know this is a pretty lousy method, but I bet it will work. It will work the starter pretty hard though. And Maximas are not known for strong starters to begin with.

BTW, I have never had that knocking noise on startup. I've always used regular 5w30 or 10w30 oil though. No synthetic stuff. Been through Nissan filters, Jiffy Lube filters (gag), Penzoil filters (cough), and Toyota filters (they really fit).

 

Hey NickStam, I'm in CT too!


Eric L., my car starts instantly. In three cranks it's running. Maybe I should install an ignition switch like on a race car. Use the key to crank and hit the switch after a few seconds to start. Hmmmm....

I still think the problem has to due with the immediate high idle on start up. I mean, it revs instantly to 2 grand. Do they all do that?

 

They actually sell some device that that you can install where you can pump some oil out of the pan before you start the car. I remember someone posted this site a long time ago. I also remember it being 300-500 bucks.