My wife indicated to me last week that the 03' G35 was ticking pretty good. After a few questions, I find that it has been ticking pretty good for a few weeks now, but ticking in some degree for the last few months, although some days more noticable than others.

I brought it to my mechanic (who does not charge $140/hr like the dealerships do), and after some discussion with him, and some discussion on his behalf with the dealership, they agreeed that it is lifters, but possibly due to a Variable Timing Sensor failure.

Has anyone had any experience with engine "ticking" caused by the VTS?

Thanks!

 

the maintenance schedules call for valve adjustments when valvetrain noise becomes excessive. most likely you just need an adjustment.

 

the bucket/tappets/sometimes called lifters - do wear over time... if you have 60K or more its possible that the lash is a bit loose and needs adjusting (meaning the worn buckets need replacing or shimmed) - not an easy or cheap thing to do trust me.

If its excessive you should go ahead and get it done - if its a light tap and you are sure its not piston slap it wont cause a problem, just more a nuisance than anything. I'm dealing with the same thing every since I had cams installed.

 

This may sound silly, but check the oil. I had the same problem. There is a bulletin out for this problem from Infiniti. Topped off the oil and it was fine. This actually led me to find out that my 03 was burning 1 quart ever 600 miles! I have pasted the bulletin.

And another thing... you cannot do a simple valve adjust on these motors. You must remove the cams and lifters which alone is roughly 15 hours flat rate.

So in conclusion check your oil level!

Classification:
EM06-006a

Reference:
ITB06-023a

Date:
January 24, 2008

APPLIED VEHICLES:
All 1997 2008 with Variable Valve Timing

APPLIED ENGINES:
VQ35; VH41, VK45; VK56

IF YOU CONFIRM

The MIL is on with any of the following DTCs stored:

^ P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P1110, P1135,

NOTE : The engine may also have Camshaft Sprocket rattle noise and/or other engine noise.


ACTION

Do Not replace the variable valve timing Solenoid Valve or the Sprocket(s) without performing the complete diagnostics indicated in the EC section of the Service Manual.

The first steps in the complete diagnostic are to make sure the:

^ Engine oil is at the operating level; add oil if needed. Refer to the Service Manual for low oil level diagnoses if needed.

^ Oil pressure is normal when measured with a gauge at the pressure switch port. Refer to the Service Manual for low oil pressure diagnoses if needed.

 

warranty work?

 

Nope.

 

we THAT sucks. any ideal how much that adjustment would cost? i'm not having ANY issues with mine and for some reason, the oil change seemed to get rid of my "service engine soon" light. (also had belts replace and brake flush all at 56k)