Ticking noise coming out of engine NEED help!!!

[M4T5]

I would hope so, too. I am breaking in my 56 with great care and have had no smoke but a good bit of black soot in the ends of the tailpipes. WOuld uess this is normal. I only have a little over 1.3k miles and the oil level has not budged from the full mark on the dip stick!.

Fingers crossed

Black soot within the exhaust pipes or tips is common on about any gasoline burning vehicle or engine.
I dont think Infiniti would have gambled with their new gen engines.
They are needing to pick up the pace with sales to compete against many other manufacturers in the US.
They dont have much margin for mistake at this point in my opinion.

J

[greggebhardt]

No manufactor has much margin for a mistake these days. I am seeing more and more new "M" on the streets of Jacksonville. All are thumbs up!

[dvan]

No manufactor has much margin for a mistake these days. I am seeing more and more new "M" on the streets of Jacksonville. All are thumbs up!

Still have yet to see a new M in the DC/Northern Va Area

[yosM45]

I bet 100% that your ticking is a result of low oil level.

My engine is as quite as can be after an oil change.

Right at out 3000 miles after the change, like clock work, the engine will start ticking, and it's right about then that the the oil level has dropped below the "L" indicator.

I'll add a quart to get me to 5,000 miles, and do the next oil change.

Change your oil, see if it goes away. if it does, have the dealer do a consumption test.

(Mobil 1 w/ OEM filter every 5k)

[MaxBolus]

This may be from left field, but I had a similar insanely annoying ticking sound that nobody could isolate..not even the dealer.
Turned out to be a worn serpentine belt and possibly bad tensioner. The belt had chunks of the ribbing missing, which would cause the tensioner to move in/out slightly.

Sounded just like a valve tap or injector to anybody that heard it.

Good luck

[djpeak10]

Im sure you dont need to change your oil at 3,000 miles, just add oil. The oil in the engine is still good it just is low.

[szh]

Moderators should pay attention to this issue and post it as a sticky.
Should have been done a long time ago.
I doubt they will post it being its a cronic issue that plagues Infiniti. Plus they probably sponsor this site in some way.
What does that give us here?? A political debate!! What's new!

Well ... first and foremost, regardless of whether Nissan Motor Corp sponsors us (which they do not, afaik), we would not, and do not, hide issues that are real problems for our cars.

If you do a search for the topic at the NICO site, you will see many posts (including many from me) specifically talking about this issue ... particularly for our model years (2003 and 2004 M45). We do not filter or eliminate these posts at all.

The reasons I have not put the consumption topic (or any issue) as a sticky are fairly simple: (a) too many things can be stickied and (b) they get overlooked. For some reason, people do NOT read the stickies often.

Finally, surprising as it may seem, the oil problem does not occur with all those cars ... a recent estimate is that about 15 to 20% of these engines have a real oil consumption issue. Defined as "more than 1 qt per 1000 miles" to warrant an engine swap - which Infiniti will do (albeit with some pushing in way off-warranty situations).

In these looser-tolerance M45 engines, some oil use is apparently relatively normal ... done to increase horsepower. And, in my opinion, somewhat related to how you break the engine in during the early miles (my advice: don't baby the engine during that period and do frequent oil changes).

For example, on my 2003 M45, with 92k miles on it (pretty much all my driven miles since I bought it new in Sept of 2003), I still use only about 1/4 to 1/3 qt - rarely 1/2 qt - ever 1750 miles when I check about half-way between oil changes.

Is this higher oil use than I would like? Certainly! Given that both my previous Infiniti Q45's did not use a single drop of oil (as far as I could tell) between the regular oil changes at 3750 miles.

But, can I live with it? Yes. Now that I know about it and check for problems. I just buy an extra quart occasionally to top off and keep the level above the mid-point at the 1750 mile check.

As always (general observation for everybody), remember that oil levels (a) should be checked cold - first thing in the morning before you start your car, and (b) on level ground - ideally the same place in your garage or driveway each time. Make it a monthly ritual ...

Z

[szh]

I bet 100% that your ticking is a result of low oil level.

My engine is as quite as can be after an oil change.

Right at out 3000 miles after the change, like clock work, the engine will start ticking, and it's right about then that the the oil level has dropped below the "L" indicator.

I'll add a quart to get me to 5,000 miles, and do the next oil change.

Change your oil, see if it goes away. if it does, have the dealer do a consumption test.

(Mobil 1 w/ OEM filter every 5k)

Hmmm ... I would not let the level drop below the L mark - or even let it get close to it.

Just check every 1000 miles or so (I do every 1750 miles since I know sooner is not needed) and top off to keep it definitely above the mid-point (totally cold engine, of course). Better not to let the engine tick - that is an indicator of future problems, IMHO.

Z

[szh]

I would hope so, too. I am breaking in my 56 with great care and have had no smoke but a good bit of black soot in the ends of the tailpipes. WOuld uess this is normal. I only have a little over 1.3k miles and the oil level has not budged from the full mark on the dip stick!.

Fingers crossed

Good!!!

Did you follow my [perhaps extreme] recommendations for oil changes? I will repeat:

1. First oil and filter change at 100-200 miles. Gets the engine deburring material out. Use dino 5W-30 oil.
2. Second oil and filter change at 1500-1750 miles. Gets the next batch of deburring material out. Use dino 5W-30 oil.
3. Third oil and filter change at 3750 miles. Use dino 5W-30 oil.
4. Fourth oil and filter change at 7500 miles. Use dino 5W-30 oil.

All future oil changes should be at 3750 miles apart. Consider switching to synthetic engine oil (but you do NOT have to - good dino oil is fine!) once the engine is past 10k miles - i.e., at 11250 mile mark.

Z

[myother45isalesbaer]

Wait a second. Go back and read the posts. I said nothing along these lines. This was a cut and paste job and I do not appreicate being quoted saying something I never said. This really annoys me.

Moderators should pay attention to this issue and post it as a sticky.
Should have been done a long time ago.
I doubt they will post it being its a cronic issue that plagues Infiniti. Plus they probably sponsor this site in some way.
What does that give us here?? A political debate!! What's new!

Well ... first and foremost, regardless of whether Nissan Motor Corp sponsors us (which they do not, afaik), we would not, and do not, hide issues that are real problems for our cars.

If you do a search for the topic at the NICO site, you will see many posts (including many from me) specifically talking about this issue ... particularly for our model years (2003 and 2004 M45). We do not filter or eliminate these posts at all.

The reasons I have not put the consumption topic (or any issue) as a sticky are fairly simple: (a) too many things can be stickied and (b) they get overlooked. For some reason, people do NOT read the stickies often.

Finally, surprising as it may seem, the oil problem does not occur with all those cars ... a recent estimate is that about 15 to 20% of these engines have a real oil consumption issue. Defined as "more than 1 qt per 1000 miles" to warrant an engine swap - which Infiniti will do (albeit with some pushing in way off-warranty situations).

In these looser-tolerance M45 engines, some oil use is apparently relatively normal ... done to increase horsepower. And, in my opinion, somewhat related to how you break the engine in during the early miles (my advice: don't baby the engine during that period and do frequent oil changes).

For example, on my 2003 M45, with 92k miles on it (pretty much all my driven miles since I bought it new in Sept of 2003), I still use only about 1/4 to 1/3 qt - rarely 1/2 qt - ever 1750 miles when I check about half-way between oil changes.

Is this higher oil use than I would like? Certainly! Given that both my previous Infiniti Q45's did not use a single drop of oil (as far as I could tell) between the regular oil changes at 3750 miles.

But, can I live with it? Yes. Now that I know about it and check for problems. I just buy an extra quart occasionally to top off and keep the level above the mid-point at the 1750 mile check.

As always (general observation for everybody), remember that oil levels (a) should be checked cold - first thing in the morning before you start your car, and (b) on level ground - ideally the same place in your garage or driveway each time. Make it a monthly ritual ...

Z

[szh]

Wait a second. Go back and read the posts. I said nothing along these lines. This was a cut and paste job and I do not appreicate being quoted saying something I never said. This really annoys me.

Whoops ... really poor job of editing on my part. I have fixed that previous post which attributed to you.

Sorry about that!

Z

[myother45isalesbaer]

Thank you.

[fugatem]

Assuming the dealer won't replace with 08' valve covers, does anyone know if there's any long term damage to the engine by burning oil - - this of course assumes you're keeping the oil at proper levels.

[M4T5]

To be honest, excessive oil passing through your intake manifold and baking onto your intake valves, spark plugs, combustion chamber, and piston tops isnt really a good thing when speaking of long term effects.
All that equals excessive carbon build up on all those parts listed above. The oil will turn into sludge in the intake manifold runners after a while.
If dealer will not replace with redesigned 08' valve covers, then invest in an oil separator! They are relatively cheap and pretty easy to install.

J

[pdelbene]

El, I posted my problem a couple weeks ago. I have a 2004 M45 59,900 miles. Infinity says the ticking noise is #3 #5 & #6 rod bearing are worn. The fix? New engine. I change my oil and filter every 3,500 to 5,000 miles. It burns oil but replace it when it's not lower than one quart. I've alway used part synthetic, Castrol 10 30. How the mechanic determined the problem is that he diconnected each spark plug, one at a time. The cylinder that stopped ticking, he determined that the rod bearing is worn. It must be a defect if that's really the problem. My other private mechanic believes it's a timing mechanism problem but the forman said the timing belts are bullet proof. Dealer says I'm out of warranty (4 years or 60,000 miles) so I'm fighting the fight. In addition the exhaust manifold cracked. That is under warranty.

[smovy]

I had a ticking and clacking noise in my motor, it turns out my intake manifold plenum valve came apart was ingested into cylinder #6. First I got a miss fire on cylinder #6 dealer pulled plug and found plug had no gap so changed out all plugs and swapped coil packs on 6 and 4. Car was quiet and ran great for a week, then It had another misfire same cylinder with noise again. That's when dealer realized something was possibly in cylinder 6. Dealer took intake plenum apart and found half of a intake plenum valve in the intake runners. Looking at replacing motor under warranty. Has anyone else had this problem?

[The Bodyguard]

I know this is an old thread but maybe I can get an answer to a pretty general question.
A few months ago I noticed the low ticking noise in my 08 M45S and brought it to the dealership. The master tech argued that the ticking noise was normal and it should get louder and faster when revs go up! I also complained about my a/c compressor making a winding noise! He refused to accept that any of the noises were abnormal. I then began to preach to him about all the forum members experiences with the v8 engines and how some of them had oil consumption and others had bad tensioners. He actually said the 08+ engines had been updated so no oil consumption would be an issue but he actually followed that by saying that the tensioner was a more common problem!! He followed by saying that if I really had to and wanted them to fix something it would be ONE thing only so I had to pick?? I picked the a/c compressor since at the moment felt it was the most expensive thing to replace!! I now have had second thoughts and want the tensioner replaced!!

So my question is: Is the belt tensioner a powertrain warranty covered item or not??
I have 63k on the odo but still well under the 70k 6yr warranty!
Please help!! I have an oil change due already!!

[mexillis]

^ go to a different dealer IMO. They should do any warranty work if enough evidence shows it needs replacement. If they give you hassle speak the mngr and if they dont want to help, tell them youre going to call and talk to someone who can help you.

[The Bodyguard]

I'll try that^ Thanks!

[jaxnole1722]

Oh man, the infamous ticking sound from the M45....

Did it sound like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDQeCOJZcDM?

or this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Guc8EpVRgg

The first link is a SERIOUS problem. Second link is a common tick sound associated with cold engine startups and it slowly fades away as the engine gets warmer.


There have been a few threads on this issue, and most of it is attributed to possible low oil levels. Some people like fiveliterbeater had their engines replaced due to this problem. In my case i had to get my engine replaced. Check too see if your still under warranty and document this problem ASAP!!!

Can you re-host the videos? I have an 08 m45 with just under 60K miles that has a light, constant ticking engine noise, and even though my indy mechanic says it is nothing to worry about, it bothers me not knowing what it actually is. Thanks in advance.

[atlM35]

First thing to do is check your oil level. The 45 burns a good bit and my ticking usually goes away after topping off the oil and driving around a couple miles.

[jaxnole1722]

First thing to do is check your oil level. The 45 burns a good bit and my ticking usually goes away after topping off the oil and driving around a couple miles.

Oil level is to factory specs. Still a slight tick. Does not seem to affect performance at all, but it just bothers me, as there may be damage being done that will bite me down the road.

[jaxnole1722]

Does anybody have working links to the videos that dvan originally posted?