We have talked alot about the rattle "after" startup until the car is warmed. My symptoms occur at about 2K RPMs when either I cross this threshold going up (in RPMs) or coming down.

I talked to the Nissan mechanic the other day and he said the TSB about the "Timing Chain Rattle" was not the same as I was experiencing. The TSB only addresses the rattle during idle and it was on a limited # of cars in 1995. My rattle (or crickets in the engine) problem is different but is around the same general area.

He said the cost is pretty severe to fix it. Probably in the order of $1000 or more. He said you are moving into the guts of the engine b/c if you change the hydraulic tensioner, you have to take a lot off to get to it.

His suggestion was, "don't worry" but be aware of it. Keep the revs low until the car warms up. Also, try changing external sources first before going for the big expense. That is, try changing from 5W-30 to 10W-30 in the winter (I know it is counter-intuitive) but this could help some of the hydraulic pressure and supress the rattle. Also, try a better filter. I use the OEM so that is not a choice.

FYI

 

do u wait until your temperature guage needle rises above the "C" mark?

 

No I drive after no more than 1 minute of idling. The sound
does go away once the temp is more than the "C" mark. I would
have to wait for more than 3-4 minutes before the temp gauge
rose above the "C" mark.

PM