NEED ADVICE (1997 Nissan Hardbody) Problem seems to be fixed but do not know if it will stay that way

[brc19761]

This is the situation. I bought a 1997 Nissan Hardbody a few days ago. The motor and front end had been rebuilt and had had 5,000 miles on the rebuild. I do a lot of highway driving. The day after I got the truck I heard a extremely loud "tapping" noise coming from the engine compartment. I immediately pulled over. The noise was coming from the internal part of the engine. After I stopped and started back on the highway and the noise it quit (for a while) then it eventually came back. The noise did not affect the performance of the engine. But I was scared the engine may blow up or something. The noise seemed to be triggered driving 65-70 driving steady for about 45 minutes.

I took a video of the loud tapping noise and sent it to the seller. He said it sounded like a lifter. Well I suggested that I change the oil to a heavier weight. I did an oil change with Castrol 20-W-50 and it actually stopped the noise. So, I believe it may have been a lifter. This noise was not the normal ka24e lifter noise it was extremely loud.

What I need advice on is can I trust the oil change as a permanent fix? Will the oil eventually get thinner and the noise start back again?

I am asking these questions b/c the seller has offered to take the truck back. But I have already sent for a new title and purchased a tag. I really don't think the seller will wait the 4 to 6 weeks for the title to come back.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank You

[centralcoaster33]

There are a few threads and articles on here about lifter tick on the KA24E.
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/ka24e- ... epair.html
The pictures are gone for me. There's other articles, I'm having issues finding them quickly. Here's one
post6691695.html?hilit=sohc%20rattle#p6691695

[whomadewho]

Might have been a lifter? But it could also be an indication of low oil pressure due to an internal engine issue? The heavy oil could be masking a major problem ? Just my opinion I would change the oil back to factory specs.and have the engine tested with a positive oil pressure gauge. Based on the results,this information will help you in what direction or action to take. My opinion if he offered to take it back and that's what you want to do I don't see a big issue for him to wait 4 to 6 weeks for the title to clear. Check with the DMV and see if a bill of sale will work? Also a small court judge Wouldnt have problem with him waiting. Another option would be to get together with the buyer and come up with some kind of $$$ compromise.