Took the armada in at about 8,000 miles with what i thought was a valve train engine knock, dealer said this is normal during initial start. its a fuel issue, said during start more fuel is delivered. anyone else have input on this issue. thanks mike
engine knock at start up
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I think what you are hearing is the timing chain. The chain uses a hydraulic tensioner, which uses engine oil pressure. The pressure can bleed off when the engine is off, which can causes the chain to make noise until oil pressure builds back in the tensioner. Nothing to worry about.
Look in the lower left of the attached drawing to see the tensioner.
Look in the lower left of the attached drawing to see the tensioner.
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Is there anybody else having this noise at startup? I just got back from a 2 week trip. Inother words the Mada wasn't started for 2 weeks.
The first time I started the Mada, I heard that rattle on startup for about 3 seconds(seems like forever). I changed the oil out to Royal Purple 6 quarts of 10-30 and 1 quart of 5-30(all they had). I still get the noise but only for about 1/2 second.
Dealer said cheap oil filters(fram) will let the oil bleed back down. I had a Penzoil on but I purchased 2 Nissan Filters. I am still getting the noise with the Nissan Filter.
Is this really normal??
Mike in AZ
The first time I started the Mada, I heard that rattle on startup for about 3 seconds(seems like forever). I changed the oil out to Royal Purple 6 quarts of 10-30 and 1 quart of 5-30(all they had). I still get the noise but only for about 1/2 second.
Dealer said cheap oil filters(fram) will let the oil bleed back down. I had a Penzoil on but I purchased 2 Nissan Filters. I am still getting the noise with the Nissan Filter.
Is this really normal??
Mike in AZ
It's true, it is the tensioner. It is hydraulically driven by oil pressure. The VQ engines all do it after sitting for a little while. My Maxima did it, and both G35's have done it after sitting for a week or so. It never happened to me on cold start up though. The sound is the chain tapping against the front timing cover on the motor.scr38 said:
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Mine happens when the mada parks for a couple of hours, start up is fine but when i go and the tranny changes to 2nd gear, there is a weird "knocking" sound coming from the front of the mada. happens everytime the mada is parked for at least a few hours....
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Mine alson knowcks when I first start it. But it gets pretty cold up here at night. Only does it after sitting all night.
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From everything you guys are saying, it sounds like thicker oil could cause this to happen more frequently. Seems like sticking with the 5w would be better than changing to 10w, especially during the cold months. Personally, I'll never again run anything over 5w-30 unless recommended in the Owner's Manual. The Engine Sludge in my Durango was a nightmare and I kinda think that running thicker 10w-40 & 15w-40 oils may have helped increase it but that's just my opinion.
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After the dealer changed both of my faulty exhaust manifolds a few weeks ago, I opened the hood because I was going to change the oil. I found that my oil dipstick was MISSING! I called the dealer enraged as to how this could have happened. They agreed to give me a new one and change the oil for free. I took them up on it, but ever since, the truck knocks on start up. I'm ready to drive it off of a cliff.
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You think maybe they broke the dipstick and a piece is in there!jpspaz said:
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Think we should get with Nissan to see if it is a systemic problem?
Im sure they would say it isnt to save a few pennies.
Im sure they would say it isnt to save a few pennies.
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I'm at the point now that I don't trust the dealer to work on my truck. This is only one of a long list of incidents that have occurred at this and another Nissan dealer. I really like the truck, but I will think more than twice about buying another Nissan, mostly because the dealers I've dealt with have ruined it.
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Dealers make a HUGE difference. The Dealers here are a major reason that I prefer Nissan and Lexus over everything else. The Infiniti dealer here has seemed pretty worthless and everyone else (Domestic, Toyota, etc..) is pretty average, the BMW dealer is the worst of them all, and I really liked dealing with the Mercedes Service dept except they charge so dadgumned much for even the simplest of fixes even after cutting me special rates that I talked the GM into. Most of the Nissan Service Depts here have been really awesome to deal with.
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I agree with Pops. Here in Houston, the Nissan dealers on the West and North side are really pretty good. We currently have 3 Nissans and am satisfied with the service that we get.
As far as the original thread topic goes, on my 07 Mada, I don't get the knock issue at startup. My truck sits for 3-4 days at a time on a normal basis and when I start it, there is no noise. Not sure if this helps at all, but I do run Royal Purple in all the vehicles 5w-30w with the Nissan filter.
As far as the original thread topic goes, on my 07 Mada, I don't get the knock issue at startup. My truck sits for 3-4 days at a time on a normal basis and when I start it, there is no noise. Not sure if this helps at all, but I do run Royal Purple in all the vehicles 5w-30w with the Nissan filter.
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as mentioned earlier, this is normal due to the hydraulic tensioner. BUT, also make sure oil levels are up to par, especially in the colder climate areas. i had the "start-up knocking noise" before and noticed it began after i changed my oil and only pouring in approx. 6 qts. i figured it was enough and the oil dipstick marked slightly under the mid line between High and Low. on the next oil change, i decided to pour in close to 7 qts and the knock has been eliminated. even after sitting for two days, with the weather hitting in the mid 30s in NYC overnight, i haven't heard it again.
the hydraulic tensioner unfortunately does rely on oil pressure, so just make sure your oil levels are adequate. btw, i'm still using Castrol GTX 5w-30 as well.
the hydraulic tensioner unfortunately does rely on oil pressure, so just make sure your oil levels are adequate. btw, i'm still using Castrol GTX 5w-30 as well.
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