Odd Tapping Noise

[2002 Maxima SE]

I've had this happen twice in the 75k miles I've owned my 2002 Maxima. Both times, under the same conditions. I hadn't used the car all weekend and backed it out to the driveway to wash it. Washed the car and then moved it back into the garage. The next morning I get up to go to work and start the car...

ROWRRRRR...TAP..TAP..TAP..TAP...TAP...TAP...TAP

Now, let me preface that I know all about the timing chain rattle (I get that as well on cool mornings). This metallic tapping goes on for about 30 sec to 60 sec (obviously until the oil is circulated). It is quite loud (can be heard with the windows up) RATA..TAT..TAT..TAT..TAT..TAT..TAT. During this time, I made sure NOT to increase the RPM.

Car gets 5k mile oil changes, spark plugs changed at 70k, no obstructions in the engine compartment, new air filter every 10k, and PCV was changed at 70k.

Anyone else with the 3.5L experience this? Why only AFTER pulling the car in and out of the garage would this occur?

After 60 sec, the noise was gone and I haven't heard it on restart since.

 

[charbaby]

Well, not sure. Maybe it's an injector ticking. I've experienced this before and cured it with some Regane FSC in my wifes Lexus.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
Well, not sure. Maybe it's an injector ticking. I've experienced this before and cured it with some Regane FSC in my wifes Lexus.


Definitely not a ticking injector. This is a metal on metal tapping sound.

 

[drivewaytech]

May be a hydraulic lifter collapsing. Possibly taking a little while to oil up. My vehicle makes the same noise on occasion, however it does not go away. It continues to run just fine while it is tapping. I have stopped fretting about it since it happens 1 out of every 30 start ups.

 

[crw]

Are you using a FRAM oil filter? I was getting that on my Jetta. Swapped out the FRAM, and the noise went away immediately.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Originally Posted By: drivewaytech
May be a hydraulic lifter collapsing. Possibly taking a little while to oil up. My vehicle makes the same noise on occasion, however it does not go away. It continues to run just fine while it is tapping. I have stopped fretting about it since it happens 1 out of every 30 start ups.


Yeah, I feel about the same way. Last time it occurred was about 3 - 4 years ago.

Did you mean to say "however it does not go away"? Mine went away in about 60 sec and did not affect driving.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Originally Posted By: crw
Are you using a FRAM oil filter? I was getting that on my Jetta. Swapped out the FRAM, and the noise went away immediately.


No, I use GC 0W30 oil with a Purolator PureOne filter.

 

[Eddie]

I also suspect a tapet leak down and maybe due to a gummed up lifters. You might consider doing a flush using Auto-RX.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
I also suspect a tapet leak down and maybe due to a gummed up lifters. You might consider doing a flush using Auto-RX.


I've used Mobil 1 and GC for the last 60k miles (5k mile change interval). No overheating. I've only had this noise twice...could it really be gummed lifters?

 

[pickled]

Yes...have you ever looked at the size of the oil metering hole in a hydraulic lifter? They are quite small and easily compromised. Try a flush.

 

[Titan]

I'll second the ARX treatment. Cured mine in about 70 miles of the clean phase. I'm very impressed with the results. Different engine, but, probably the same sort of factor causing the trouble.