Name That Noise

[00Crew]

Ok guys,
Lately I developed an engine tick in my 2005 Nissan Xterra that is pretty embarrassing. Sounds like it is coming from the intake collector (plenum) area, so I ordered the epoxy and was going to perform the TSB that glues the intake valve into place to keep it from rattling. Upon removing the valve, and seeing that the ridge that it rests on was cracked, and the small nipple above it broke off, it was time to order a new one.

Fast forward to yesterday, I replaced the whole intake collector, spark plugs, and pcv valve, but guess what. Yep, the noise is still there. I am adding a Youtube link. Could this be an injector? I am at a loss.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chBiUYomKVk&feature=youtu.be

 

[Phishin]

It's hard to judge from the video just how loud the noise really is....but dang, it sounds loud!!

The speed at which the tick occurs and the pitch itself does sound like an injector. But that is just a guess on my part.

Did you perform the epoxy TSB on the new intake you just installed?

 

[79sunrunner]

Maybe timing chain jumped? Or is loose?

 

[sasilverbullet]

I'd quite driving it - sounds like the timing chain or something in that area. Tow it to the dealer and have them diagnose it.

 

[Falken]

^1 sasilverbullet

But now is a GREAT time to finally justify the purchase of a mechanics stethoscope (looks like a long 1/16" diameter needle on the end of a doctors steth).

 

[Kuato]

Ouch; yeah that sounds like something getting ready to let go. I have never heard injector noise that loud on anything.

 

[00Crew]

Took it to the mechanic

 

[Merkava_4]

That noise is a fast repetition, like something in the valve train possibly.

 

[Propflux01]

Originally Posted By: 00Crew
Took it to the mechanic

And the verdict??

 

[00Crew]

No verdict yet, he will look at it Monday and let me know. Hopefully not too bad or I might be inclined to trade it in.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'll be checking this thread everyday. I'm very curious of what that noise is.

 

[ls1mike]

Me too!

 

[Tosh]

Me three!

 

[00Crew]

No word yet. Hopefully I will know something soon. Hopefully it isn't related to the timing chain and guides that were installed 5,000 miles ago. It is at the same shop, so hopefully they would honor it, but dang, what other damage would it have done

guess I have to quit thinking like that.

 

[00Crew]

Ok,
A little mad at the moment. I just heard back from my wife who ran by to see if my sunglasses were left in the truck, and she found them working on the Xterra. The shop is now owned by the mechanic that physically changed the chain. The owner that I dealt with when it was changed had to sell due to very bad health. That left me being very cautious about it being timing chain related, as I would have to chalk it up to the new owner being honest, as legally he didn’t have to do anything, 4800 miles later or not.

HE says it is the cam phaser, and that he told the old shop owner it needed to be replaced when they replaced everything else, but no go. Now this could or could not be a load of [censored], and it was botch timing chain change. I don’t know.

He wouldn’t give my wife a number as he was apologetic and said he would work with us. Keep in mind he never called and made sure any of this moving forward was ok. He told her it would be ready tomorrow and he would call me (which means Friday in mechanic talk).

The truck is paid off, and I was wanting to trade it straight up with someone for a truck, as I miss having a truck. I had finally decided I was just going to keep the Xterra for a few more years and evaluate our situation then. BUT, I have been driving around like this for almost 2 weeks thinking it was just the intake valve. What sort of internal damage could have been done.

My thinking is cut my losses, trade at the dealer (so if anything happens in the future it would be on the dealer, not me) and buy a used pickup in the 10-11,000 range before trade in value.

Thoughts?

 

[sasilverbullet]

Keep it, the emotions of the situation will wear off. Nissan's are mostly good products. Get it fixed, drive it for a while, if you still want to sell it, go ahead, but don't trade it in, sell it yourself.

 

[Merkava_4]

Cam Phaser? As in Variable Valve Timing?

That would be reason enough right there for me to get rid of it.

I don't want no variable valve timing or multi-cylinder displacement.

For me, simple is good.

 

[The_Eric]

I doubt he is giving you a load of bovine excrement. If the vehicle isn't making death noises when you get it back, then stick with your original decision. Too many people get too wrapped up in their cars/trucks and repairs, thinking that there is just no way to trust them. Give the mech the benefit of the doubt...

 

[00Crew]

Well,
It looks like I will be placing some trust in the mechanic, let’s just hope she lasts longer than 4800 miles before something else that they touched messes up this time.

Wife actually went and test drove an 08 Silverado and is trying to talk me into it, but a baby on the way, the last thing I need is a 2nd car payment, as the Xterra is paid for.

Really hard, as I love the truck, but I guess I will stick to the SUV for now.

Thanks guys!

 

[Merkava_4]

If the 2008 Chevy has multi-cylinder deactivation, you'll be back to square one with more problems. Do your homework before you buy.