Occasionally get a serious sounding clattering/knocking noise from the engine when starting. The noise seems to occur more frequently if the car has not been driven for a few days. The noise lasts about 5 seconds then goes away. Noticed blue smoke on one occasion. Car otherwise runs great and does not burn oil (well maybe ½ quart every 2-3k). Use Mobil1 5w30.
Is this a sign of bad things to come or typical for a car with almost 140k? Is there any thing I can add to the oil to clean or to unstick whatever is occasionally making all of the racket?

TIA
Bill

 

Try using a Nissan oil filter. You could have oil starvation upon start up if the filter your using doesn't hold the oil up in the motor. There is a valve that protects from reverse flow, some filters aren't so good while other will hold quite a while.

Another possibility is your timing chain tensioner is starting to loose pressure to quickly when the eignine is off and the chain is loose upon start up. You can replace the tensioner to keep the chain tighter.

 

I have the same clatter upon startup, I have come to the conclusion that the noise is from the pullies and belts, It only lasts for like you said 5 seconds and it runs smoother afterwards., I too have over 165000 miles and I just think it is time for a tuneup or whatever else high milage cars need to remedy these problems. Good luck and just giver her a tune up and tighten the pullies!

 

some issue here , and i have just noticed that in last few days. I've been driving my wife's car to work and maxima was sitting in the garage for 3 days, upon start up there was loud knocking noise which sounded like rod knock , noise only lasted 5-10 seconds and them it went away. It scared the chit out of me , but i guess my timing tensioner is getting loose after 145K

Nick.

 

Any idea what the cost is to replace the timing chain tensioner? Is this an item that requires replacement over time? I've heard it's tough to get to and the labor is very intensive.

BTW, I have a 95SE (117K) and I get the timing chain rattle on cold mornings for several minutes until the car warms a bit. This is different than the loud knock.

PM

 

That sounds like valve chatter caused by a lack of lubrication, or worn parts. If it isn't a bad oil pump, then it might be just the oil you use. Because your 5w-30 synthetic oil is very slippery and highly viscous -- a good thing, really -- and because your guides and seals may be worn, the oil does not stay around your valves for very long when the car has been sitting for awhile.

There is one oil additive that you can try: it is called RESTORE engine restorer, and I usually buy mine from Wal-Mart. Now, I know there are members who will go ballistic at the thought of adding ANY additives (bad for seals, and so on), but I have had good luck with it on my 3rd Gen Max. I put 302K on it before I sold it. That engine never used more than 1/2 quart every 3K, and the compression never fell below spec.

Add a can, and if the noise continues, then you need to see a mechanic. If it stops, then you've saved yourself some repair bills.

 

I use to get that noise, when I used GTX start up and lucas. I replaced the oil right away and the noise went away. My car makes a supercharger noise and its due to the tensioner for the timming chain. Im not 2 concern about it. My main concern is to hold on 2 it for another 5-6 months and then sell it.

 

so what oil did you change it to? Castrol GTX is the best dino Oil out there.


Nick.

 

I Used lucas for 3x and noticed that it's not good to mix it with GTX start up, on the other hand lucas and GTX high mileage with the better improvement formula works really good. Im now using GTX start up. Its just like lucas does the same job as lucas, by far its the best oil ive tried. Try putting in some GTX start up im sure the noise will go away other wise try GTX high mileage with Lucas im sure it will take care of it.