Engine Noise

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Lately I have noticed (with only 13000 miles) that my V6 engine is ticking like it is low on oil. I have Vavoline 5W-30 put in the engine every oil change, oil changes is at every 3500 miles, oil level is full (not burning off), I use top grade fuel (never go below 89 octane). I have thought about already doing a SLICK 50 additive in the engine to see if it will help. Some say it may be my AC Compressor but its not after listening to the engine for awhile and hearing the ticking. Anyone heard of this on their Nissan? Recommendations? I'm out of Ideas... Bill

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Which oil filter are you using?I have seen posts where Fram and a couple of others will have this ticking noise.

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gooba:
Which oil filter are you using?I have seen posts where Fram and a couple of others will have this ticking noise.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not sure of the oil filter since I have oil places do it for me (call me lazy for now...) but I do believe that it is whatever the Vavoline places use (Vavoline filter? Fram?) I'll have to call them to see which kind they use. And if it's not the filter, any other ideas/suggestions?

[ChuckH]

WOW! I was just going to post about the same thing (reason I logged on just now)! My Xterra started this recently also and is just over 12K miles. Sometimes it's worse than others. I use Mobil 1 5W-30 or 10W-30 and Nissan filters exclusively. I also thought it was the AC too, being that it's summer, but it's still there when I turn it off. I can't tell which side of the engine it's coming from, as it sounds like all the valves are noisy to me. It's really embarrassing driving around people with a new truck that sounds like a sewing machine in need of oil. I know initial startup knock is common, but this just keeps on going!

Also, I've found that 89 octane isn't good enough when it's hot out and the AC is on.

I was going to wait it out, but I think I'll contact the dealer and ask them about it. Let me know if you find out anything, as will I!

Charles



<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by billhotdj:
Lately I have noticed (with only 13000 miles) that my V6 engine is ticking like it is low on oil. I have Vavoline 5W-30 put in the engine every oil change, oil changes is at every 3500 miles, oil level is full (not burning off), I use top grade fuel (never go below 89 octane). I have thought about already doing a SLICK 50 additive in the engine to see if it will help. Some say it may be my AC Compressor but its not after listening to the engine for awhile and hearing the ticking. Anyone heard of this on their Nissan? Recommendations? I'm out of Ideas... Bill<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Nismo]

One word (ok three words): Valve Lash Adjustment.

[ChuckH]

But, don't these engines have hydraulic lifters, or am I missing something? Same type of sound though. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nismo:
One word (ok three words): Valve Lash Adjustment.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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Well not sure if the dealer is full of it; but they are saying that the ticking sound that I am apparently hearing is the fuel injectors. Since I have the V6 engine the service advisor (who sets up service appts) said that more than likely it is the fuel injectors but to bring it in just in case. I really don't like going to this dealer for service but they are the dealership that I bought it from. I will let you all know what the outcome is; service date is next week.

[Nismo]

If you want to see if one or more injectors are abnormally loud, you can do this: with the engine running, take a long-shafted screwdriver and place the metal end to the injector and the other end to your ear. Do this for each of the injectors. Ideally, you would use a mechanic's stethoscope but the screwdriver will work well enough.

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I think the noise your hearing is the injectors.

[ChuckH]

Hmmmm! I was going to go by the dealer, but mine's been quiet for the past 4 or 5 days so I didn't think it would help my case.

I was thinking about it and I remember that a Mitsubishi pickup (no laughing please!) that I owned a few years back did the same thing at about the same mileage, and then it went away never to be heard from again. I wonder if it's just part of the engine loosening up, although it seems a bit late for that?

Charles


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by billhotdj:
Well not sure if the dealer is full of it; but they are saying that the ticking sound that I am apparently hearing is the fuel injectors. Since I have the V6 engine the service advisor (who sets up service appts) said that more than likely it is the fuel injectors but to bring it in just in case. I really don't like going to this dealer for service but they are the dealership that I bought it from. I will let you all know what the outcome is; service date is next week.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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I have a 94 Hardbody with the V6 in it. at 60k miles I got the tick too. I took it to a mechanic, and he said my ticking was the result of (and he didn't explain it very well) a bolt in the exhaust manifold had sheared off and was vibrating. It only ticks when the engine is cold, but once the engine has run a bit, it stops.

[ChuckH]

Yeah, if your manifold gasket seal is breached, it can easily be confused with lifter or similar noise. The reason it goes away when it's warm is that the metal expands and seals the leak. I think manifold problems are pretty common on the V6 (a friend of mine had both sides replaced on his QX4) and so I will have the dealer check it out. I don't think my noise comes and goes according to temperature though. Yesterday, I was driving and it clattered away for miles so I stopped by the dealer. As soon as I got into their parking lot it stopped, and so I had nothing to share. As soon as I left, it started up again! Go figure! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif I have to go to another dealer today to pick up a part. Maybe I'll have them listen to it if it's talking.

Charles


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Shentar:
I have a 94 Hardbody with the V6 in it. at 60k miles I got the tick too. I took it to a mechanic, and he said my ticking was the result of (and he didn't explain it very well) a bolt in the exhaust manifold had sheared off and was vibrating. It only ticks when the engine is cold, but once the engine has run a bit, it stops.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Shentar:
I have a 94 Hardbody with the V6 in it. at 60k miles I got the tick too. I took it to a mechanic, and he said my ticking was the result of (and he didn't explain it very well) a bolt in the exhaust manifold had sheared off and was vibrating. It only ticks when the engine is cold, but once the engine has run a bit, it stops.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There is a service campaign for owners of 94-95 Pathfinders,Quests,and V/6 trucks for a knock when the engine is cold.If your is an eligible one,Nissan may put a new engine in it.If it is a manifold,it is a common problem.I know certain Pathfinders have the warranty extended on the exhaust and manifold (96-97 models i think...sorry not 94's http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif)

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How would I get more info about that service campaign. Oddly enough, I have a friend with a 92 Maxima and he has the same problem. Same noise.

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Shentar:
How would I get more info about that service campaign. Oddly enough, I have a friend with a 92 Maxima and he has the same problem. Same noise. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Goto or call your Nissan dealer and ask if they can check for any outstanding campigns on your vehicle.All they need is the VIN number.They can also tell you whats been repaired under warranty,where it was originally purchased,and warranty expiration dates.

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ChuckH:
Yeah, if your manifold gasket seal is breached, it can easily be confused with lifter or similar noise. The reason it goes away when it's warm is that the metal expands and seals the leak. I think manifold problems are pretty common on the V6 (a friend of mine had both sides replaced on his QX4) and so I will have the dealer check it out. I don't think my noise comes and goes according to temperature though. Yesterday, I was driving and it clattered away for miles so I stopped by the dealer. As soon as I got into their parking lot it stopped, and so I had nothing to share. As soon as I left, it started up again! Go figure! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif I have to go to another dealer today to pick up a part. Maybe I'll have them listen to it if it's talking.

Charles


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Well wish me luck all. I take the Frontier into the dealer this am to see where this ticking is coming from. I hope not to be proven wrong, but that it is indeed a lifter or something. Knowing the dealership it may be something that I, as the owner, have done to cause it. Seems that is always what they (the dealer) try to say. But hey, if there is something wrong with the engine, hopefully the warranty will cover it. Will keep you updated on the outcome. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/rolleyes.gif

[This message has been edited by billhotdj (edited 07-28-2000).]

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Hey, got got back from the dealership and here is their version. What I am hearing is the normal sound of a Nissan V6 engine. Its the rockers that I am hearing. It is normal operating sounds. I asked have you passed this info onto Nissan Truck Corp. and they replied "...it wouldn't help".
So I ask, "Hey Nissan Truck Corp, got any suggestions on how to quiet down this V6 engine of yours? It's starting to be a nuisance of driving a new vehicle and having people hear it ticking like it's 5+ years old, or low on oil, or about ready to kill over. If this is indeed a normal sounding V6 engine, shouldn't you consider correcting it somehow or pass advice onto people who are encountering this?
Also hard to belive that the engine only takes 3.5 qts of oil; wow, for a V6? Maybe the oil is breaking down too quickly with that small amount of oil working through the engine?

[ChuckH]

Mine wasn't noisy when I took it in, but they told me to bring it back when it's ticking and that this engine shouldn't tick. If I have any luck next time, I'll pass it on. I agree that it's kind of embarrassing driving past people when it's doing that! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif

Charles


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by billhotdj:
Hey, got got back from the dealership and here is their version. What I am hearing is the normal sound of a Nissan V6 engine. Its the rockers that I am hearing. It is normal operating sounds. I asked have you passed this info onto Nissan Truck Corp. and they replied "...it wouldn't help".
So I ask, "Hey Nissan Truck Corp, got any suggestions on how to quiet down this V6 engine of yours? It's starting to be a nuisance of driving a new vehicle and having people hear it ticking like it's 5+ years old, or low on oil, or about ready to kill over. If this is indeed a normal sounding V6 engine, shouldn't you consider correcting it somehow or pass advice onto people who are encountering this?
Also hard to belive that the engine only takes 3.5 qts of oil; wow, for a V6? Maybe the oil is breaking down too quickly with that small amount of oil working through the engine? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>