Hi,

Haven't posted for a while..but I need good technical advice...I bought a salvage 06 coupe last year which had been lightly hit (I already know...these cars are risky, but its already done...I have had it on the road as a daily driver for the last 8 months) Anyhow I am hearing a tapping noise at idle...this was there for quite some time when the engine was cold...but it would go away when it warmed up. Now it is there even when warm...however..if I rev up the motor briefly, it goes away for a little while, but then comes back maybe a minute later as the idle settles in again...it seems to be coming from the area of the timing chain cover...near where the cam retarder device is located. Since I have no warranty..I will have to solve the problem myself...so any help would be appreciated. The motor sounds healthy otherwise and does not burn any oil. I have noticed that my gas mileage has been decreasing lately...I drive very conservativly and rarely nail the pedal. This an 06 MT rev up motor.

Thanks ,


Andy

 

Hmmm, I don't have any particular suggestions but watch your oil consumption closely. When my old maxima motor threw a rod, it was because something happened to the connecting rod bearing at the crank. I think it was hurt somehow. The oil usage went skyhigh and then the motor finally threw a rod because the lack of lubrication (oil level/pressure).

It might be a lazy cam solenoid though but I've not read of of one failing.

But I'd make it habit of checking your oil every day before leaving for work etc...

 

Forgot to mention...the motor only has 14K on it.

 

You could also have a sample of the oil analyzed at Blackstone Labs for $20. If there is abnormal bearing wear from the big/small crank/rod bearings, it will show up there. I'd highly recommend this for peace of mind

 

Where was the car hit?

 

The car was hit in front..radiator and condensor were busted

 

+1, if the result comes back good, you're engine is safe. I've heard that a ticking sound could be prelude to losing a bearing/rod and the analysis will rule that out.