Bad engine noise? G35

[andrewjetmitchell]

Ok, after driving our new armada all the time now, my 04'-G is sitting more now. After letting it sit for 3-5 days Its always made weird sounds at start up. But this time at start up it sounded like the valves were going to jump out of the first cylinder on the left hand side?? WTF..was that? Im at 119,000 miles and havent changed the timing belt yet, but It shouldn't be making noises like that? Any ideas?? Jet

[SVTCOBRA]

Had a similiar noise in our 05 sedan at 33K miles.The sound slowly went away.Was the chain tensioner on mine.btw, these have chains instead of belts, don't think they normally need replacing.

[andrewjetmitchell]

Thanks SVT. That's exactly what It sounds like. The noise came from the front of the 1st cylinder on the left, and I bet that chain runs right in front of it. Thanks

[biggie]

Unless its different than other Nissan engines, then the timing chain has been recommended to be changed around 100k.

Note: I'm use to dealing with 240sx engines with timing chains.

[SVTCOBRA]

Thanks SVT. That's exactly what It sounds like. The noise came from the front of the 1st cylinder on the left, and I bet that chain runs right in front of it. Thanks

yep, mine sounded like a push rod banging agaiinst the valve cover! My wife even stepped outside and said wtf are you doing to my car!!!

The noise was completely gone by the time I got to the Infiniti dealer, but they tell me that they heard it the next morning before doing surgery.They say it's rare for the tensioner to go bad.

[SteveTheTech]

The tensioners may make noise and over 100k bets are off.

You might want to try a different oil before getting into serious engine work. I am reluctant to advise a thicker oil in your climate but premium synthetic and maybe a quart of Nissan ester will save the money of tearing the front of the motor apart.

Over at the local Nissan dealer they are replacing chain guides left and right and many of them are out of warranty repairs. I don't know details but I have seen several of them being done over there. It is something about the FWD motors, we rarely see timing chain related issues.

The chains on these motors do not require periodic replacement as part of a maintenance schedule. The low friction guides and chain tensioners should last the life of the engine but there exceptions and that is by no means a rule. I do however think there are some steps that may help without replacement.

If the oil light comes on once the engine is running for more than a brief second after a long sit there may be another issue. Although as of today I have only seen one low oil pressure issue with an OE oil filter and that was today, but after an oil change with better oil the light went away.

[pfarmer]

Ok, after driving our new armada all the time now, my 04'-G is sitting more now. After letting it sit for 3-5 days Its always made weird sounds at start up. But this time at start up it sounded like the valves were going to jump out of the first cylinder on the left hand side?? WTF..was that? Im at 119,000 miles and havent changed the timing belt yet, but It shouldn't be making noises like that? Any ideas?? Jet

If it goes quiet fairly quickly I would start by changing the filter out making sure you get one with an anti-drainback valve.

There are ways of pressurizing your oil system prior to starting the car but I probably would bother especially if the filter helps.

Perry