clicking when cold

NPath · Dec 25th, 2004, 02:02 PM

Hi,

I have a 95 Pathfinder SE that clicks when in drive and reverse when it's cold. I normally let it idle when i'm in no rush for bout a minute. The strange thing is it only clicks for about a minute then it's gone. I can't tell where the clicking is coming from exactly, but it sounds like it's coming from either the engine or tranny. It didn't make this noise till after I changed the spark plugs last spring.

After cracking open and turning the plugs a couple times, I blew it out with an air hose.

It's not a big deal, just annoying hearing it every day.

Thanks.
Npath

bowtie420 · Dec 25th, 2004, 03:29 PM

ITs probably piston slap.... after a while the bore in the cylinders tapers and it will move around... Either that or the lifters ticking....no big whoop, just make sure you warm it up properly before running it down the road

**88pathoffroad** · Dec 27th, 2004, 12:28 AM

Classic problem...broken exhaust manifold studs. Ticking lifters will stop after a few seconds generally, but warped exhaust manifolds with broken studs will tick until the engine heats up sufficiently.

NPath · Jan 2nd, 2005, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88pathoffroad

Classic problem...broken exhaust manifold studs. Ticking lifters will stop after a few seconds generally, but warped exhaust manifolds with broken studs will tick until the engine heats up sufficiently.

What if I leave it alone, would it get worse? It's been like this since summer and doesn't sound any worse.

Npath

**88pathoffroad** · Jan 2nd, 2005, 11:59 PM

It'll get worse gradually. It might not pass emissions if it gets bad enough.

NPath · Jan 3rd, 2005, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88pathoffroad

It'll get worse gradually. It might not pass emissions if it gets bad enough.

What are the chances of the stock manifolds warping?

**88pathoffroad** · Jan 3rd, 2005, 03:52 PM

About 90%. Usually they have to be replaced when they change out the broken studs. If that's your case, go with headers instead, they'll cost less, never leak and give you WAY more power.

ORD12 · Jan 6th, 2005, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88pathoffroad

Classic problem...broken exhaust manifold studs. Ticking lifters will stop after a few seconds generally, but warped exhaust manifolds with broken studs will tick until the engine heats up sufficiently.

Sounds like I have a similar problem with my 1999 Pathfinder. When I start it up in the morning (or after it's been sitting in the parking deck all day at work), a clicking noise that is slightly louder than the normal idle sound begins. I let it warm up for a few minutes, and it continues generally until the engine is fully warmed up (about 5 minutes into my drive). When I arrive at my destination, I hear no clicking sound at all -- just a smooth running engine.

Does this sound similar to this problem?

How much are repair costs for this problem?

NPath · Jan 6th, 2005, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ORD12

Sounds like I have a similar problem with my 1999 Pathfinder. When I start it up in the morning (or after it's been sitting in the parking deck all day at work), a clicking noise that is slightly louder than the normal idle sound begins. I let it warm up for a few minutes, and it continues generally until the engine is fully warmed up (about 5 minutes into my drive). When I arrive at my destination, I hear no clicking sound at all -- just a smooth running engine.

Does this sound similar to this problem?

How much are repair costs for this problem?

Your clicking noise seems way longer than mine. So, I don't know, unless it's far worse than mine. Mine lasts for bout 20 seconds after driving and it's gone. For stock manifolds, I'm guessing bout $800CAD before labour. I emailed Summit for prices on Thorley headers, but they haven't gotten back to me yet.

jerryp58 · Jan 6th, 2005, 07:08 PM

Any chance you damaged one of the wires and the "click" is a wire arcing?

**88pathoffroad** · Jan 6th, 2005, 10:10 PM

An arcing plug wire would cause a noticeably rough idle and/or driveability problem. It would also make the noise constantly, not go away.

Thorleys from Summit are gonna be about $460.

You can get them here for $350, if they stick to their advertised Internet pricing and have them in stock. http://www.rocky-road.com/thorley.html