I really don't like the rap I hear upon cold start-up. I use Mobil1 5W-30 synthetic oil and the Nissan oil filter (15208-9E000). It hasn't gotten worse, but today I started it after not using it for a week and with the window down I could really hear it loudly as my garage was acting like an echo chamber I suppose. Even my Ranger didn't have any rap whatsoever after sitting for a month or so, but it did have an oil filter that hung from the bottom of the engine so that the dreaded oil drain-back was impossible. Should I worry? It does go away in no more that 2 seconds, though. I know that the VQ series engine is fantastic, but this seems like a design flaw.
I really don't like the rap I hear upon cold start-up. I use Mobil1 5W-30 synthetic oil and the Nissan oil filter (15208-9E000). It hasn't gotten worse, but today I started it after not using it for a week and with the window down I could really hear it loudly as my garage was acting like an echo chamber I suppose. Even my Ranger didn't have any rap whatsoever after sitting for a month or so, but it did have an oil filter that hung from the bottom of the engine so that the dreaded oil drain-back was impossible. Should I worry? It does go away in no more that 2 seconds, though. I know that the VQ series engine is fantastic, but this seems like a design flaw.
Is this a single or multiple "rap"?
Have you stood at the open engine compartment and had someone else start it up? You may be able to tell if it's an internal engine noise or something outside the engine; or do you already know that?
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Jerry
2004 Frontier, King Cab, XE, 4x1, 4-cyl, 5-spd My Frontier Page
Sounds very similar to Nissan's typical "startup clatter". That would suck if the new VQ40 is prone to the same issue. It isnt bad for the motor, but it sounds bad. Of course... it may be something completely different.
My KA24DE has done it for over 120,000 miles.... I wouldn't worry about it. It's just the way the timing chain tensioner sounds when dry and it'll do it for hunderds of thousands of miles without being a problem on the later KA engines ( but on early ones, it can be a problem, that's why it was redesigned in the mid 90's).
:EDIT: Nevermind! I didn't see that you have a new style Frontier. I have no idea about the new ones.
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1998 Nissan Frontier XE/2wd/5spd 1 owner, 264k miles
1985 Olds Cutlass, 350 Chevy, owned for 14 years
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Last edited by himilefrontier : Apr 19th, 2006 at 09:13 PM.
Yeah it's definitely a dry bearing type of noise (multiple). It's more of the rattle type of noise typical of rod bearings.
A "bearing rap" would scare me. I think I've had the "startup clatter" (earlier than 10k miles). It doesn't always do it and won't do it if I don't go above 2500RPM for the first mile or so. And, since it seems to be a common noise, I'm OK with it.
Is 5w-30 the weight called for with your engine?
I think I'd try to listen to as many startups as I could from other trucks (the dealership should help you out there) and see if it is a common noise. If not, I think I'd have the dealer check it out.
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Jerry
2004 Frontier, King Cab, XE, 4x1, 4-cyl, 5-spd My Frontier Page
Mobil 1 5W30 has been known to cause startup clatter in Nissans too (again not sure about the VQ though). You could try a different oil or oil weight and see what happens. I have had Mobil 1 5W40 Truck Formula in my truck for about 1500-2000 miles now and no startup clatter whatsoever. But again, if it's startup clatter it's not harmful anyway -- just sounds bad.
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