Rattling Distributor?

[jsingl]

About a a month and a half ago I replaced my entire distributor in my 2000 Nissan Xterra. It fixed the stumbling problem my engine was having, but it is still making a loud rattling noise that gets louder as the car accelerates. The only thing I have been able to find ANYWHERE is that it might be the timing belt. Anybody have any idea what would cause the rattling to keep on even after I have changed the whole distributor?

[Desert Rat]

My '02 has been doing this for a couple years. Only seems to be an issue on a cold engine though. It goes away when it warms up.

Never have been able to pinpoint the noise.

[jsingl]

It runs better once it warms up but it still makes an awful rattle when you push on the accelerator. It's DEFINATLY coming from the distributor, I just don't know what's causing it considering the whole thing has been replaced.

[Big-Bird]

Let me check my info and I'll get back to you on this one. I think DR and I can figure this one out. Up for a challenge Rat Boy?

[Desert Rat]

This one has been posted on other boards too with no definitive results

My Xterra does it, and if you put a screwdriver to the cap and to your ear, it's coming from inside the distro. It doesn't seem to have any bearing on how the truck runs, and on mine, the rattle goes away when the truck is warm.

Thus far, this one has stumped me.

[Big-Bird]

I do know the Distributor is a sealed unit and can't be repaired, it can only be replaced.

Also my info on the possible source of this rattle is not conclusive at all. I'm afraid I'm not much help here...but I will keep on looking.

[jsingl]

Mine has just been replaced. The old one completly went out on me. The new one is working, but it just keeps a steady rattle. And it doesn't go away when the car gets warmed up or when it idle. But it does get louder as I accelerate. I don't really know anyone here where I live that I would take it to, and I'm personally stumped so thanks for any help.

[Big-Bird]

There are very few moving parts inside the distributor. After some extensive reading there is only one conclusion. One of the screws that are used to keep all the bits insde the housing secure may have come a bit loose. The CD manual sights one thing and thats the rotor screw.



I wonder if the roll pin that holds the distributor gear in place could work itself loose and cause this noise. I for one have not experienced this rattle with my own Xterra so I can only list potential sources.

[Desert Rat]

What's wierd on mine is that the noise goes away once the truck is warmed up. It only does it with a cold engine. Seems to me anything loose would rattle all the time

[Big-Bird]

Not necessarily. Sometimes a little heat will cause dissimilar parts to expand and take up the slack. What harm is there is making sure all bits inside the distributor are secure?