hey guys.this is the deal.when i start her up in the mornin'it makes a noise like really loud like clunk for like 3-6 seconds.then while it warms up it goes and comes like something is not getting oiled good,it's got me trippin for i don't have a warranty on it yet,i got it from carmax.i had gone to florida and back in 4 days time about 3 months agowith average speed at like 100 m.p.h. almost all the way.i think that maybe i did damage to my engine but i'm hoping it's something minor like an oil pump.i dunno it might even be my starter.

everything runs perfect on the ride ,it's just that noise that gets to me it does it on and off when i'm idling and i know it's inside the engine for sure.i am using mobil1 oil 5-30 with mobil1 filter.

any thoughts will help.......

 

Could possibly be your starter. Over time the lubrication inside the starter dries out and it takes more time for the starter to disengage from the flywheel. Another possibility would be the timing chain tensioner. I think there may have been a TSB on this, but some people have stated that the tensioner can develop a problem and then what you hear is the timing chain rattling or something. If it is either of these there's not much you can do. You can remove and regrease the starter relatively easy (check out www.motorvate.com) or just wait for it to fail and buy a new one. If it's the timing chain it's gonna cost you a good bit to determine or fix, so....
I would get a section of hose about 2 or 3 feet long, small enough to get one end into your ear (you're gonna use it as a stethescope)and while you have the one end in your ear use the other end to try to locate where the noise is comming from as someone else starts your car. Once you've pinpointed the location you should have a better idea of what is causing the noise. Good luck, hope it's nothing major.

 

Hey man,

That's exactly what mine (95 SE) does every morning or when the engine is cold. Plus, I'm using the same oil as you, but with an OEM Nissan oil filter. I heard the starter suggestion before, but I really hope it's not my timing chain.

Check out the other post on the timing chain noise before this one. Is this a recurring problem with all max's, or just the lucky few??? I got other problems right now to fix like a busted CV boot/joint. These car's are awesome, but the same problems everybody has really suck.

 

I have the same symptoms. It already happened twice to me (each time after the car was not driving for a two days). When I started it, it produced some strange and loud noise and I felt that entire front of the car is vibrating. After few seconds it disappeared.

May be you're right and this is a starter. At least I hope so. Month ago I changed my starter to new (refubrished) one. Tried to save some money and as result have even more troubles.

 

What's causing your problem is not your starter but a common problem with our '95 Import Car of the Year and other Maximas: it's the timing chain tensioners. I have links that I could dig up for a TSB and some other info for this issue, if you're interested. Once the main tensioner loses tension it causes the chain to slacken and slap against the timing chain cover. The problem will worsen over time, possibly to the point of causing a timing chain failure, which would be catastrophic. On my '95, it started with just a momentary rattle during start-up lasting about 3-4 seconds, but eventually worsened. The second stage will create noise up until warm-up, but then disappear, and the final stage will exhibit timing chain slapping regardless of the climate or engine temperature. You can put your hand on the timing chain cover or even put your ear to it and easily notice the problem. I reached this last stage in late March and decided to perform the repair myself. It's usually more pronounced during the winter, but mine became so bad that the chain was regularly slapping the cover ever after warm-up. This job will cost you about $1300 from the dealer, only $200 is for parts. It's about a 15 hour job. I went ahead and replaced the water pump while I was down there because it's only $60. I just completed the work on my car two weeks ago. You can get an entire timing chain kit for $190, and it includes all three chains, tensioners and guides. You shouldn't have to replace the sprockets. Here's the site for the parts: www.thepartsbin.com
QUOTE]Originally posted by az0te
I have the same symptoms. It already happened twice to me (each time after the car was not driving for a two days). When I started it, it produced some strange and loud noise and I felt that entire front of the car is vibrating. After few seconds it disappeared.

May be you're right and this is a starter. At least I hope so. Month ago I changed my starter to new (refubrished) one. Tried to save some money and as result have even more troubles. [/QUOTE]

 

Damn... that sounds soo complicated... I dont have 15 hours to spare. Damn!

 

Radio,

Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation and link! I have 1995 Maxima and it seems to me you're absolutely right. In addition to slapping noise I heard twice (and it was very bad noise), it always rattles for a few seconds after startup. I paid attention to this rattle noise a long time ago but it wasn't so scary and I didn't even try to do something. However, things always getting worse.

Thanks,
az0te

 

Yup, did mine too, for about 1200. No noise at startup anymore, maybe just a little hint of it, but no nearly as bad as it was. I went ahead and got new sprockets as well. 220(overnigth delivery from the parts bin) for chain/tensioners 380 for sprockets, 637 for labor. 11.85 hours and an oil change and a coolant flush. I did my water pump 4 weeks prior. runds smoother and quieter now. Oil is a lot cleaner too(BTW 160+ on the odo)