Adjustable Lifters on 1996 240 sx with 3300 original miles

[mahouna]

Okay, I admit I am a moron about cars. I just bought a 1996 240sx SE Nissan with 3300 original miles, yes, 3300 miles, guy bought and parked for retirement and then died. Here is the problem, sounds like lifters are stuck, definite ticking sound. any ideas of what I should do? Thanks, and remember I know crap about this stuff. My wife bought me the car and it is mint. I love it but noise is loud.

[IanS]

Have you had it diagnosed as valve noise?

Being chain drive, there are many different noises associated with things like guides, and the tensioner. I would have the noise traced by a skilled engine diagnostician.

[mahouna]

ok, but with such low miles wouldn't tend to be something simple? or am I being naive?

[IanS]

ok, but with such low miles wouldn't tend to be something simple? or am I being naive?

I would guess that the lack of miles is the problem. It is likely that the extended length that the car spent sitting is the cause of the problem. I personally would look at the timing chain tensioner, it may be sticking causing excessive slack in the chain. Though its very difficult to diagnose without actually hearing the noise.

PS, you should post some pictures, finding a car like that is almost unbelievable.

[mahouna]

HERE'S SOME PICTURES OF THE 1996 240SX SE WITH 3300 ORIGINAL MILES

http://s382.photobucket.com/albums/oo270/mahouna/

TOOK TO MECHANIC TODAY, ACTUALLY 3, ALL 3 SAID 3 DIFFERENT THINGS. 1. Put rislon and it will knock loose2. stuck lifter3. possible loose timing chain

not sure what to do, but beautiful car.[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]

[IanS]

Well, any one of the three could be correct. Its time to pull the valve cover and find out.

You should be able to check chain tension and valve clearance with the VC off.

If any of the valves has excessive lash, it is likely either the lifter is stuck or the shim popped out from lack of lubrication.

As for the timing chain, a quick look at the slack, and the condition of the guides will tell you if it is creating the noise.

Again, the processes for both procedures should be outlined in the FSM. I personally would look for a shop that specializes in Nissan's, tell them you dont want a guess about whats wrong, you want a positive answer. Im guessing the mechanics you brought it to were feeling a little lazy, which is common. Be firm, you may end up paying an hours worth of shop labor to have them diagnose it, but believe me, it will help in the end.

Good luck.

[mahouna]

Thanks for all your help, think you are right, there is a local Nissan dealer, I will let him check it out and know for sure. Thanks a lot for your help.

[sdaigle]

pull the valve cover off.... check out the chain guard on top between the two gears. mine made a ticking when i got it turned out the guard broke off and was just bouncing around on top of the chain.