new to me / 2001 Nissan Sentra SE 2.0 16 valve

[Mark72]

I purchased my friends 2001 Nissan Sentra SE 2.0 about two months ago. He was the only owner before me. Immaculate condition. Repairs he kept up on. Washed and waxed it constantly. This particular model has the infinity line-up of engines in it. Not sure the model number. Something with a Q in it. 81k miles. Anyway, the car has no drivability issues at all. Idles smooth to. However, I hear a sound at idle and a hear it a little bit while on accelerator to. It sounds like a constant hum, or droning sound. My mechanic had it for the day and could not find a thing wrong. He said the noise is coming from the intake valve and said it must be the way it’s tuned. Is this normal, or a known issue on these vehicles? Also, the engine is noticeably loud on interstate. Is that normal as well? I know it’s only a 4 cyl, but it’s a little bit of a sportier model in this size of engine and I’m not familiar with how they sound and operate.

 

[SuperDave456]

Sounds to me like a 2001 Nissan.
Older cars have less insulation than newer cars, and the older insulation is wearing out, so there is naturally more road noise.

Also, steering components, power steering units, choice of tires, etc can cause different road noise.

BTW, be sure to do some turkey baster drain and refills to the Power Steering unit to make sure it has some new fluid in it. That is typically overlooked.

Also, sometimes you have to drive it awhile for an issue to become really noticeable before a mechanic or tech can diagnose the issue.

 

[Mark72]

Turkey baster to remove power steering fluid? As apposted to draiang it completely?... is completely draining it not necessary?

Can this method be done with brake fluid to?

And regarding the intake valve. On this particular engine is it normal for them to make a constant hum / droning sound that is even more noticeable during colder temps?

 

[pbm]

It sounds like you have the SRD20 motor which is a very good engine. I had one in my 1992 Sentra SER with the stick shift and it was a little rocket. It has a chain (not a timing belt) which cuts down on maintenance costs.
I can't help you with the noises.

 

[Mark72]

Actually, I asked my friend who sold it to me. The engine is the Sr20de 4cyl 16 valve. It is quick, I’ll say that.

 

[Sawdusted]

Could be a belt problem.

Although I love my 2001 Sentra 2.0 SE, the frame rusted out badly from the mid-western salt all it's life.

Also something I am not a fan of is the 5th gear ratio. The car has so much power, I seem to be running out of gear before RPMs. And cruzing at 70mph, the tach will be close to 4K RPM. Not good for long distance drives. It will use oil on sustained high speed runs (road trips).

Don't let me be a wet blanket. enjoy your new ride

 

[mclasser]

My cousin also has an 01 Sentra and these things are bulletproof. He's the original owner and the only issue at 240K miles is the peeling clear coat. This engine has a unique growl to it and perhaps that's the noise you're talking about...?

 

[SLCraig]

Ah yes, the car that should have been the SE-R and arguably the last real solid Sentra ever sold.

I test drove 2001 SE 2.0 back in 2001, I should have bought that car... The SR20DE is one of the best engines Nissan has ever made. Treat that car well and it will last forever as long as it doesn't rot out.

In Canada, other than the Infiniti G20 until 2002, that was the last SR20DE powered car sold. Sad!