2003 Engine sounding bad w/audio

[joefrontier]

Here is a link to the audio clips. http://www.clubfrontier.org/fo...37791/ Those guys were trying to help and I think I narrowed it down to where the noise is coming from. I thought I would post here to see if anyone has had this issue or knows a bit more about the sounds.

It's not the cold engine start lifters (I have that too) this is just above idle. The sound is the rattle in the background (hard to explain).

I've narrowed it down to the under the right valve cover. I have the V6 engine wo/super charger.

I'm taking into service center on Monday, but I thought I'd post just to get someone else opinion. You can read the thread post for further details and I will check in to answer questions. Any help is well appreciated.

[Q451990]

I wonder if this TSB will help:

http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/...4a95c

I know it says that it only applies up to '02 models, but sometimes these issues continue into the later years. I know our '05 G had an issue that the TSB said only applied up to '04, so it's possible. I would look to see if that damper is installed. If not, it can't hurt to go through the TSB steps.

Good luck!

Heath

[joefrontier]

Yeah I saw that one and mine rattles hard above 1000 RPM and seems to smooth out the faster the engine revs. I also hear the noise coming from valve cover under the air intake. I never hear any noises inside the truck. Its not loud enough to hear going down the road. I can only hear it at start up from inside the cab. And then if I get out pop the hood and rev the engine.

[DatsNiss56]

Dude, I have an '02 Crewcab with the V6 engine noise. I really didn't notice it when the weather was hotter (I live in Florida), but now when I occasionally ride with the windows down, I hear the noise even after it's warmed up. Louder when it's cold, settles down warm, but still there when hot. Can hear it best when power-braking it around 1000-1300 rpms. And like yours, really don't hear it at all on highway cruise. There's a tech bulletin (NTB02-020) on a check to see if it's a purge solenoid noise transferring into the body sheetmetal, but I'm not too cool on that one. Haven't tried it yet due to not wanting to set evap codes in 'puter. I don't think its outside the engine, sounds like a wrist pin slap or the start of a rod bearing going. Hope not, but haven't fixed it yet. I'll be watching for more ideas. Unless the engine splodes, then I'll be watching and walking.

[joefrontier]

I had it in for service and they are claiming it's the lifters. Cost will be around 1200$

I am in the process of talking to Nissan to help me out with this since the powertrain warranty is up four months ago.

I am not convinced all it the noise is due to the lifters but the lifters are making a noise at startup. I hope that they figure it all out!