Nissan Altima SE

[pcolli]

Hi Nissan Mechanics!

Have been a Nissan owner for over 25 years with nothing but good solid service.

Question?

I have a 1998 Nissan Altima with 189,000 miles...and have done good maintenance so far.

Just yesterday, the oil light started "blinking" on the way to work. I stopped to check the oil level and the oil was not low. On the way home from work, I got to my garage and started hearing a "knocking" noise from what appears from the top of the valve cover. I put it in park and pressed the excellerator and it stopped for a moment. then began "knocking" again. Turned the engine off and checked the oil, once again the oil level was in tact. Turned the engine back on and the "knocking stopped. Have not started it up so far today but did check the oil level while it was cold to see if I had a false reading. Now I am perplexed as to what it could be hoping it not be the worst...Honestly, I have not replace the timing belt at all since I have had the car. Have not replace the oil pump at all although when the car was running oil was spurting out of the engine and I could feel quite a bit of suction. A friend told me that since I have not changed the timing belt it could have jumped time or I need a valve job. With what I have described can someone give me some idea what I am up against. Please ask additional questions. I could use an answer within 15 at least. With kind regards, Paul

[MaximA32]

Sounds like a rod knock to me. The part that leads me to this conclusion is the fact that when you rev it up, the noise goes away. When the oil pressure goes up, the sound is deadened. As the oil pressure drops, the oil drops down to the pan.

It could also be the timing chain guides have broken loose. This is especially prevalent on the upper chain guide in the KA24.

Last but not least, welcome to NICO.