My recently replaced (8,000+ mi. ago) 1987 3.3L engine is tick-tick-ticking. I would like to think that one of the rocker arms needs tightening? Or perhaps one of the rockers needs replaced? I tried to locate where the sound was coming from exactly. It sounded like it was just under the intake unit, or very near it. In my previous engine, I had also heard a ticking, perhaps the same ticking, and shortly thereafter I through a rod through my oil pan. Is this going to happen to me again? How can I fix my problem? Has anybody else had to deal with this recently?

Thank you,
Nick Petersen
1987 Nissan Maxima Sedan

 

Nick,

Am I to understand that you replaced your 3.0L motor with a 3.3L
motor? or was that 3.3L a typo?

Mike

 

Mike, you are right. It was a typo. It is the 3.0L motor.

 

Actually, I think you can put a 3.3L engine in a 2nd gen. The Pathfinder used to have the VG33E engine. From what I've heard, it's just a bored out VG30E engine (it may have a longer stroke too, I'm not exactly sure). However, if someone did put that engine in their car, they probably wouldn't be able to add a turbo due to the reduced thickness of the cylinder walls.

-C-

 

Oh, as for the ticking noise, it's probably the valves. Usually some valve tick is normal, however if it's really bothering you, you may want to try some of Gunk's Valve Medic when you change your oil. That should clean up those dirty valve lifters which is most likely the cause of the ticking.

-C-

 

actually on the 3.3 i heard it had more material (it was made a little bigger than the 3.0) so i would actually handle boost a lot better. they were saying on the third gen area that a lot of fast Z31's use vg33et's

 

Oh, I didn't know they made the walls thicker to accomidate the increase in bore. Well, that would definitely be a pretty good engine to have turbo'd, especially in a Max.

-C-

 

-C-,

That might be an interesting project to
consider once I do some research on the
subject.

 

Ticking? Is this a loud ticking noise or low? If it is low, it's probably your valves, aka time for valve job. Might be a spring that just decided to start giving up.

Whatever it is, it isn't good.

-A

 

it doesn't sound like a clock does it?? could be a time bomb
j/k
hope you figure out what's going on. i would say sticky lifters. the vg is a really good engine and hardly has any problems. i would run some of that sticky lifter oil additive for a while and see if that does the trick. or even some slick 50 engine treatment do the job

 

Built VG33ET have been talked about in quite some detail. The VG33E engine seems that it will take more abuse than the VG30. One thing though:L this engine is actually formulated for RWD or 4WD applications, but you can mod it to make it work for our Maximas. Heh heh...Nismo87se and I chatted about it a couple of times, back when I was actually crazy + rich enough to do the project.

Now, I find myself short on funds until I see this stupid 300zx I bought.

-A

 

Yeah go to the Z boards alot of overseas Z owners have done the swap. So check there for info.

 

I tried using a Gunk valve additive and I don't hear the ticking anymore. Thanks for your help.

Nick

 

No problem, I'm glad it worked out okay for you.

-C-