When starting our 2.5 SL in the morning it will often clatter or rattle for about a second or less. I've searched the forum and found a couple of suggestions. One is that the VTC gear on the intake cam is making the noise and the other is that the cam chain tensioner is slow in filling with oil (i.e. hydraulic pressure) and it is causing the noise. Sometimes it rattles when we first start it and other times it does not. Once you start the engine, then turn it off it, then restart it, it nevers rattles.
I can live with it but my wife hates it and if the wife ain't happy, nobody's happy.
Which problem is most likely to be causing the noise?
Possibly low on oil will make the top end of the V6 makes some clattering noises for a bit I've heard, not sure about the 2.5L. Check it out after it sits for at least an hour.
I have the same issue. I have O2 Altima 2.5 it has been making that noise forever now I took it to the dealer when it was under warranty and after they could never duplicate or find anything wrong with it. I hate the noise but what to do...car has about 114000+ miles on it. If you figure it out let me know good luck
__________________ Dark Slate 2008 Altima 2.5SL
No car note = #winning. New set of Nexen 5000 Tires, Alpine CDA-9887, Kenwood KAC-X10D & KAC-X40, JL Audio CS213RGW1V, Racingline strut tower brace, 35% Tints, Stillen Rear Sway Bar. Hushmat on trunk, side panels and rear deck.
i have a 3.5 and a machanic said that it was something called a timing chain, and that only the dealer can fix it.
Well some older 3.5s have an issue with the timing chain tensioner wearing out. That may be what your mechanic was referring to. Search for it, you'll find more info.
This. It's some sort of valvetrain noise. Mine's louder and lasts longer in cold ambient temperatures. Every 2.5L Altima I've driven does it.
I quit worrying about it when I got my oil analyzed, they found no abnormalities in the oil.
This one didn't do it until it got a remanufactured replacement engine put into it. The original engine died when a oil change place forgot to tighten the oil drain plug and my wife lost all the oil on the interstate. It shouldn't rattle.
No more rattle when the engine starts. I changed the VTC gear and that fixed the problem. I also adjusted all the valve clearances because I found over half to be either out of spec or borderline.
Now the engine starts without any rattle and it runs VERY smooth.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Harmony
Dark Slate 2008 Altima 2.5SL
Linear Mode
