Nissan Altima: What is this noise

The rattle is probably the timing chain. No oil changes is a bad thing on
this engine. The chain tensioners stop working. Try changing the oil. If
it quiets down, its OK, otherwise, go with the Ford.


On 7/6/06 4:43 PM, in article uufrg.46$news.prodigy.net,
"Greg Rozelle" <invaild> wrote:
 

On Thu, 06 Jul 2006 23:51:50 GMT, E Meyer <com> wrote:
 

Thank you.

Since a timing chain cost about $1000 to repair.
If the oil keeps it quiet (not stop's the noise). Would it be safe to
drive until March 2006 (Tax refund)? If I keep the oil changed?

I am going to get a compression test done on the engine.

Also,
Is their anyway to test out the transmission?


Greg Rozelle

On 7/7/06 6:57 AM, in article
2%rrg.127410$news.prodigy.com, "Greg Rozelle"
<invaild> wrote:
 

March 2006? Shouldn't be problem, since its already July.

If changing the oil quiets it down, then it means the tensioners were just
starting to sludge up and the fresh oil allowed them the start working again
(they are operated by oil pressure). If it quiets down after changing the
oil, it will probably run forever.

There was also a TSB on those engines, that corrects chain rattle by simply
removing the chain guides (NOT the tensioner) from the top chain and
throwing them away. You can try that yourself, the upper chain is
relatively accessible.

Test the transmission by driving it - does it shift smoothly & at the right
times? If the previous owner didn't even change the engine oil, its
probable that the transmission fluid has never been changed. Pull the
dipstick on the trans and look at the condition of the fluid - pink is good,
brown/black is bad. Burned smell is bad.

Thank You again
 

Good. I can wait till March 2007 then.

 

I am not a mechanic. I am surprised there are no side effects by
removing the upper chain guide. Nissan should of done a recall and
paid for this. If this was a maintenance notice, where could I
download a copy. I may go ahead replace the tensioner as well.
What about putting the bolts back in? I have read a little of this.

 

It seems to shift fine. I will still change the transmission and
other fluids.


Greg Rozelle

Low oil can cause damage to the lifters, wear piston rings out and damage the crankshaft over time. If it runs okay, you could probably drive it with few issues in the short run, but if you buy it, get it checked out by a mechanic in your area. It's not easy to determine the problem without being there in person.

My ex-girlfriend drove a 99 maxima that burned oil and she drove for a week low on oil, I told her to key an eye on the oil pressure guage and let me know when it drops below 40psi at highway speed, easy to keep an eye on, hard to educate a female
The lifters made a clicking and the valves rattled a little. The new owner still drives the car today, but in your case, I'd get it checked to avoid buying more trouble than its worth. Even if it checks out okay, a mechanic might find issues that help you decide or give you amunition to negociate a lower price on either car

--
Nissan4ME

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