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!

 

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,

 

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

 

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?

 

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