1997 D21 Rattle on startup

[EROCK482]

Ive been having this issue for some time but it has started getting worse as time goes on.
The Truck
1997 XE Reg Cab 2WD 5SPD
Odometer: 135XXX

It started back in the spring, we typicaly do two or so oilchanges ourself and then take it to a shop to have a full service done, shop did the oil change with a faulty filter, ran for atleast 20 miles with oil leaking out, had it towed back and the oil redone, the shop is quite helpful and we are keeping them aware of what happens with it. After this happened if the truck sat for a few days on startup it would rattle for a few seconds, then quit. as time has gone on no matter when you start it or how long its been sitting it rattles, and the rattle last upwards of 5 seconds VS the orginal one or two. prior to the oil incident it did not rattle. Im curious as to the source of the rattle and ways to fix it before something shakes lose and this truck likes meets an untimely end with the scrapping torch.

[BRubble]

Engine KA 24E ? If so it sound's like the Timeing Chain/Tensioner's.

Since this happened after The Professional's that you appointed to Change the Oil/Filter on Your Truck,, I would Tend to Guess that You had an Oil Starvation Incident performed on Your Truck Engine.

I would say that it's about time to do the Timeing Chain/Tensioner's Replacement.

Since The Professional's that performed this Maintenance most likely caused this,, then I IMO,, they ought to be required to accept a portion of the REpair Bill.

Incident's like this, is one of the Main REason's that I do as much of the Maintenance Myself on my Truck as possible.

Be sure to take your Truck to Nissan, or a Reputable Mechanic,, that know's what he/she is doing.

Good Luck

[EROCK482]

Thank you, that was what i was suspecting however my dad is pretty sure its the oilpressure being lost while it sits, would that also be something to be corrected?

[BRubble]

That's Right also.

It also could be the Valve Train and/or one of the hydralic lash adjuster's looseing oil,, and makeing the noise till the oil pressure build's.

If that is the case then even a worse Scenerio,, in that oil pressure may be being lost somewhere else.

At any rate,, when it come's to oil filter's I only use Nissan. I may or may not use other brand's on the other maintenance item's, unless Nissan say's to only use Nissan Brand. That may also help or maybe even eliminate your problem's.

I really liked the '93 Hardbody that I had with the same engine. Drove that Truck for 20 year's. Now I have another Nissan '13 Truck. Mine was still running really good and quiet,, but after 20 year's,, I just wanted a New Truck,, and let someone else drive it for a while.

Good Luck

[AJ.VALENTE]

Have found my truck likes the synthetic oil, and that seems to quiet things down considerably (166K miles right now).

My friends notice slight rattling when I pull up, and it seems more noticeable in mid-winter when everything is frozen.

I suppose the tensioners, etc., but at this stage I'm looking towards a complete rebuild (short block) so why waste the money?

[Q451990]

The start-up rattle is pretty common. I've heard of people replacing the timing chain guides and tensioners - only to have the noise come back in 10 or 20K miles. I know my old '97 did it, and still does. It lives two doors down from my house now and has about 300K on the engine, so I hear it at start up sometimes if I'm outside.

It might be worth trying a factory oil filter on it just to be sure that the filter has the ADBV (anti drain back valve) and see if that helps.

Heath

[david29]

Sounds like its time for a timing chain, guides, and sprockets replacement. USE OEM PARTS IF YOU CAN AFFORD THEM.