engine in 1994 j30 sounds like a diesel

[jay78]

my engine in my 1994 j30 sounds like a diesel when its cold or at normal operating temperature has anyone else had the same ? any ideas or suggestions will be appreciated thanks

[driverdriver]

Engine solenoid has to be changed. Its one of those things that goes with age.

[J30inthe sun]

Engine solenoid

I just looked in the FSM for the 1997 J & did not see anything listed in the Index section for "Engine solenoid".

Where is it located & what does it do?

[jay78]

i dont know where it is ? and what its supposed to do?

[yodawill2000]

Think he meant lifter solenoid.

[driverdriver]

Yoda is correct.

[colincliff2]

If you check youtube, you will find a bunch of 300zx people posting videos of their diesel-like engine ticking. There are some Z owners who have replaced their VTC springs and gotten rid of this noise. These springs are located on the front of the engine behind the timing belt covers. It is relatively cheap and easy compared to the VTC solenoids. Can you tell if the noise is coming from the front or rear of the engine?
Modified by colincliff2 at 10:59 AM 4/14/2009

[yodawill2000]

Does the plenum need to be pulled to get to the springs ?? I'm assuming its under the valve cover..

[colincliff2]

The springs are located on the front of the intake cam gears. You have to pull the top two timing belt covers, then there are three bolts that hold a small cover over the springs. Luckily, you don't have to pull the plenum. Here is what they look like http://www.czp.us/Cart/descrip...7.177

Here's a DIY for it http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/...37243

If the noise is coming from the front of the engine, this could help it.

Modified by colincliff2 at 11:20 AM 4/14/2009

Modified by colincliff2 at 11:20 AM 4/14/2009
Modified by colincliff2 at 11:23 AM 4/14/2009

[yodawill2000]

Great info !!!Thanks !!!

[coolyun_98]

You can get heavy duty JWT VTC springs. They are made specially to eliminate rattles.