engine noises

[TurboKA37]

about a week or two ago i noticed a strange noise right after the engine fires on start up. its hard to descripe but its kinda like a rattling/rubbing noise that lasts for about a second. the car is currently not being driven much, just sitting in the garage for the most part. i was just reading through some of the 240sx Faqs and came across the timing chain problems and thought this may apply. i also noticed that this only happens when the engine is started cold. what do u guys think the problem is? its a 1995 240 stock.

[89240sx]

probably timing chain... have someone start it and listen towards the front of the engine... careful of necklaces, bracelets , YOUR FACE or other body parts etc...

[TurboKA37]

from what i hear the timing chain should never have to be replaced and my car only has 85k miles on it. i also read similar descriptions on 240 faq page saying it could be the timing chain tensioner. lets say it is the timing chain thats making the noise how hard is it to replace all the timing chain stuff?

[Get240DiZzY]

The chain is fine, it's the guides. They're made of cheap plastic, and after about 80k miles, they desentegrate. Technichally, you don't need to replace the chain just the guides, but it's a good idea to get it all taken care of while you're in there.

[TurboKA37]

yea, i just bought the car used from a nissan dealership about 4 months ago and it has a 1 yr powertrain warranty. so i should beable to get them to check it out and fixed for free

[TurboKA37]

update: turns out to be the starter. the dealership will install it tomarrow. so we'll see if that fixes it. just wanted everyone to kno just incase someone else has a similar problem.

[rco8786]

My car had 82k on it and did that same thing. I removed the upper guide and it stopped..dunno if it's good or not but oh well.

[gtrnitro]

yo. i have a 91 coupe and i have the same problem and i have around 139K on mine. it doesnt happen all the time only when its cold out and not even all the time when its cold. like today it was really cold out but it didnt happen. anyone help me out. thanks

[TurboKA37]

u mean u have a rattling noise right when u start up the car? most likley the timing chain tensioner. im guessing the reason it happens randomly is because of motor oil. ive heard the timing chain starts to make noises when ur oil gets low although ive never experianced this.rco8786: u took off the upper timing chain guide? if so, id order a new one cuz that may make the chain a bit loose.

[rco8786]

u mean u have a rattling noise right when u start up the car? most likley the timing chain tensioner. im guessing the reason it happens randomly is because of motor oil. ive heard the timing chain starts to make noises when ur oil gets low although ive never experianced this.rco8786: u took off the upper timing chain guide? if so, id order a new one cuz that may make the chain a bit loose.

Im not sure if it's actually considered a guide..it's just a flat piece that covers the top of the chain. The motor is coming out in then next 5k miles anyway so i didnt really care.

[juxaguy]

I'm having the same problem with my car. The thing is, it doesn't rattle when I start it up. It only rattles when its around 1800~2000 rpm in first and second gear other then those gears, it runs fine.

I have about 68000 miles on my '96 240 if that helps.

TurboKA37 - Not sure if you're going to come back to this thread but if you do, did the starter fix the problem?

[p00t]

rattling for a breif time when you first start it up is ok, as long as it isnt rediculously loud. its from the chain picking up slack when you first start the engine, this does indicate that your tensioners are getting worn, but i wouldnt run out and spend $$$ right away.

They design chains to last the life of the car but it doesnt really work out that way. Chain and tensioners should be serviced every 100-130k if you wanna be safe, depending on the condition of your motor, and how much you care about your motor.

There are the lucky and unlucky... some people do have chain problems under 100k... and that just sucks.

[TurboKA37]

yes the new starter fixed the problem, but it doesnt seem you are having the same problem. i only heard a noise right at start up and after start up there was no noticable difference.