when i started my car this morning, it started rattling!!

[ESPER]

and it continued for about a minute!!

what could have suddenly caused this??

all help is appreciated!! thanks!!

[ESPER]

sorry, my car is a 95 240sx!!

[danny alden]

1991 nissan 240sx se 5 speed idles up to 1000 rpm wont idle down to 700 help

[nisstek]

Possibly the timing chain guide broke. Where is the rattle coming from?

[ESPER]

engine, but if the timing chain (so it is a CHAIN and NOT a BELT?) broke, then would the engine always rattle when i turn it on??

[DAEDALUS]

Not necessarily. If the guide broke, it would expose a new sharp edge that would tend to be a bit noisy and which would be quickly ground smoother by the chain. However, noisy startups aren't uncommon. Hydraulic lifters in the valvetrain that bled dry of oil after sitting for too long? I wouldn't be TOO concerned about it. Where in the engine was it coming from? Front or top?

[Nismo1182]

i bet its the lifters, same problem on mine.

[ESPER]

hmm... i cant quite tell where exactly it is coming from in the engine, but in case it happens again, i will quickly pop the hood and see what i can observe!! thanks again guys!

[nisstek]

Lifter noise and chain noise sound nothing alike. Is the noise a high pitched rythmic tick (lifter/HLA) or more of a medium pitched noise like rapidly shaking a couple marbles ina coffee can. The chain noise will usually go away as RPM increases then return on decel and when idling. Let us know.

[lunchmeat5000]

i owned a 90 240sx, and it did the same thing. Crank it, and it would rattle like all hell, then quit. I worked at a nissan dealership for a lil while and spent alot of time in the shop( but im not a mechanic). Anyway after poking around in some paper work i found that nissan had a recall about the timing chain guide. its a small plastic peice on the side of the chain. after a about 50,000 miles it breaks off and rattles inside the timing chain cover. Its not hurting anything, just sounds like damnit..