Noisy Valves at Startup

[TracyRainH2o]

Hi all. I have a 2003 Maxima with 82,000 miles. Occasionally when I start it up first thing in the morning I hear a rattle that to me sounds like the valves with no oil. It usually lasts less than 2 seconds and then it is fine for the rest of the day. I also get some smoke. This does not happen every day or with any kind of predictability. A few days ago the sound was REALLY loud and it didn't stop after 5 seconds, and I turned it off. After restarting the engine was fine. I do not live in a cold climate.

A little history: I bought the car new. I have had a problem with sludge in the engine in the past despite 5000 mile oil changes. About a year ago I switched to synthetic oil and I have not noticed sludge on the dip stick since. I have noticed that it is nearly impossible to get an accurate reading on the dip stick. The oil is usually splattered at least 1/4 the way up the dip stick. I am using 5W 30 synthetic oil and Nissan filters.

Is this a timing chain issue? My local dealership, who I DO NOT trust, recommends new chains, tensioners and guides without looking at it. We have no one locally who specialized in Nissan. Thanks for your thoughts.

I am in NW Georgia if anyone knows of a good Nissan mechanic.

[sergey85]

welcome to the club, mine does it too but not as much when its cold. but it maybe be the timing u can chack by putting a screwdriver on the housing and while its running listen to it. just be careful not to catch anything while its running

[vqaltima]

Originally Posted by TracyRainH2o

Hi all. I have a 2003 Maxima with 82,000 miles. Occasionally when I start it up first thing in the morning I hear a rattle that to me sounds like the valves with no oil. It usually lasts less than 2 seconds and then it is fine for the rest of the day. I also get some smoke. This does not happen every day or with any kind of predictability. A few days ago the sound was REALLY loud and it didn't stop after 5 seconds, and I turned it off. After restarting the engine was fine. I do not live in a cold climate.

A little history: I bought the car new. I have had a problem with sludge in the engine in the past despite 5000 mile oil changes. About a year ago I switched to synthetic oil and I have not noticed sludge on the dip stick since. I have noticed that it is nearly impossible to get an accurate reading on the dip stick. The oil is usually splattered at least 1/4 the way up the dip stick. I am using 5W 30 synthetic oil and Nissan filters.

Is this a timing chain issue? My local dealership, who I DO NOT trust, recommends new chains, tensioners and guides without looking at it. We have no one locally who specialized in Nissan. Thanks for your thoughts.

I am in NW Georgia if anyone knows of a good Nissan mechanic.

My car used to make the same valve rattle noise on startup also. Most people will not recommend doing this, but I now use 20w 50 oil and the rattles are gone on startup. I drive my car very hard and the 20w 50 oil works well.

[white6spd]

My buddies 02 Max does this sometimes, and my 3.5 Alti did it once loud and scared the hell out of me, never did it again even after sitting for weeks. I have also found it hard to get a good reading on the dipstick unless I let the car sit for like 15 to 30 min after a run.