Engine sounds... Noisy? and Engine O

[alex61089]

Hey guys my engine sounds like a buh buh buh buh buh noise and it seems to go away a bit after its warmed up and when im driving it doesnt make the noise. I was wondering if it could be bad springs? or maybe a solenoid? And while i have you guys here..

Can i use different engine oil other than what the manual specifies? i seen something about 20 50 oil synthetic blend? can i just use this oil to help calm noise down?

[driverdriver]

The car will sound like an old Buick when it starts up. That's normal. Mine has done that since day one. My friend's '94 300zx also does it. It goes away as the car warms up.

When the car was new the dealer use to change the oil with Castrol 5w30 or 10w30 oil(depending on season). It was noisy but tolerable. I switched to Pennzoil Synthetic in the same oil weight, a bit quieter but still noisy. I joined a local 300zx club and found out they all used Mobil1 synthetic and their engines where all quiet. I switched and have stuck to Mobil1 synthetic since then.

[alex61089]

yeah the sound is still there it almost sounds like a diesel engine

[driverdriver]

If it sounds like a diesel, its likely the solenoid. It will get louder over time and never go away.

[alex61089]

i cant seem to find anything about buying one? does anyone know where i can get it from and what im looking at for the part it self and installation?

[yodawill2000]

I believe its called the Variable Timing Solenoid.

Is the sound coming from the rear of the engine ?That's where it is.

[alex61089]

actually.. no. its coming from the front i believe right underneath the timing belt cover, perhaps the springs?

[yodawill2000]

No springs there ..You sure its not a pulley bearing going out ??My AC tensioner pulley went out awhile back and it made quite a racket.

[alex61089]

whatever it is... Though im no experienced mechanic i just know basics it sounds like its coming from the timing belt area under the cover.

[Leuthesius]

mine used to sound like a diesel, too. i use mobil one full synth and 1 quart lucas placed for one of the mobil one quarts. its pretty quiet. still makes noise, but it's not nearly as bad as it was.