Some of you have read some of my many posts regarding my engine ticking. Well I finally found a video up on YouTube of a 350z with a very similar noise. For those unfamiliar with my vehicle it's a 2005 automatic sedan with cams, headers, and plenum spacer. If you guys are in agreement that it's normal for the car to sound like a sewing machine and be this loud even from inside (the fluttering/diesel sound I keep referring to) I'm just going to accept the car the way it is and stop annoying everyone. It maybe caused by my modifications for all I know and be perfectly fine to drive as is.


Another problem I have now is a rattling sound at very high RPMs, typically at 5800-6000 to redline. It sounds like someone rapidly tapping on an empty soda can rather than a higher pitch ping type of sound. I was thinking something is loose but why would it require such high RPMs to become audible? UpRev initially suspected carbon deposits or contaminated fuel but the sound went away during cooler weather, and now that the heat has returned to Houston it seems to be back sporatically on the same tank of gas thus leading them to suspect a lean condition again.

 

Have you checked the oil level? How many miles does your car have? Sounds like your valves are not lubricated properly.

 

Oil level is full and just had another oil change. I use 5w30 and have not tried using a thicker oil yet. The vehicle just hit 50,000 miles as of this afternoon. Thanks for your reply!

 

That sounds awfully like the 04+ maxima's problem. VQ35DE engines made until 07 (i think?) They used a plastic tensioner where the timing chain goes. Over time that plastic gets eaten away by the chain causing it to hit metal thus you end up with that 'diesel' type sound. Theres a TSB out for it here http://x.nissanhelp.com/forums/lates...ing-noise.html you should check that out.