So the scenario is, I drove the car around 100 miles on Saturday just fine and parked it in the garage. I pulled it out to the driveway on Sunday to wash the car and put it back into the garage (both times cold start and no warm-up time)

This morning I turn on the car to go to work and hear a pretty loud tapping sound coming from the engine. I open up the hood and hear it so I shut off the car. I look to see if anything is loose and fire it up again and still the same sound. This time I keep it on for about 2 minutes and the sound slowly fades away. I tried pulling on the yellow dipstick but its completely stuck. I didn't want to pull on it too hard. I know in the manual it says in order to check the oil the car should be on for 10 minutes and then shut it off and then check the oil (this is because the car should be warm to get an accurate reading of the oil I'm assuming). Is it possible I couldn't pull out the yellow dipstick because the car was cold? It was around 50-55 degrees in the garage. There's no oil light on the dash or anything of the sort.
I drove it around 35 miles to work today and had no problems after the car was warmed up. Is it possible that was the problem? I've never had that sound before, yet I've never just turned the car on and off as I did on Sunday to wash the car either.

I'm at work now and will probably take it out for lunch so I'll see if that sound comes again. I'm hoping its just because the car wasn't warm but it was a pretty noticeable sound on startup. Anybody got a clue on this? I figure I'd ask you guys about this before I call Infiniti. The only mod I have around that area is the Z-Tube and I'm afraid they will say that is what is causing this sound, however I've had it in for at least 3-4 months now with no problems whatsoever. Thanks!

Clears | Pedals | 35% TINT | Z-Tube | 4080 Stealthbox - JL 10w3 | Escort 8500 | PIAA's | Xenarc 7" Screen - DVD | Infinity Kappa's
<img src=&quot;http://members.roadfly.com/pratik97/sigpic.jpg&quot;>

 

So I just called my service manager and explained to him the problem and how it sounds and he said its normal saying that the engine does that when its cold sometimes. Also said the yellow dipstick is in there pretty tight and I have to rotate it and pull it off to get it to come out. I have a feeling it has to do with it being cold and not warming up the car yesterday but is this in fact normal? Never had this with other cars.

Clears | Pedals | 35% TINT | Z-Tube | 4080 Stealthbox - JL 10w3 | Escort 8500 | PIAA's | Xenarc 7" Screen - DVD | Infinity Kappa's
<img src=&quot;http://members.roadfly.com/pratik97/sigpic.jpg&quot;>

 

nothing to worry about

'04.5 Diamond Graphite/Graphite
Premium, Aero, Tire Package
Corners, Windows up mod,
BelTronics Rx65 Radar

 

i disagree. it is something to worry about and you need to check your oil ASAP. it sounds to me like lifter tap and it should not do that. Mine doesn't. How many miles do you have?

'04 coupe6mt
ivory premium aero

92 plymouth laser AWD
heavily modified for solo II
11.51@118 on 215/55 goodyear eagles

03 dodge ram quadcab 4X4 Hemi

 

Around 9200. Next oil change scheduled at 10500. I'm gonna take it out for a spin during lunch and see if that sound comes. Also see if I can check the damn oil.

Clears | Pedals | 35% TINT | Z-Tube | 4080 Stealthbox - JL 10w3 | Escort 8500 | PIAA's | Xenarc 7" Screen - DVD | Infinity Kappa's
<img src=&quot;http://members.roadfly.com/pratik97/sigpic.jpg&quot;>

 

if it is lifter tap/raocker arm tap there are basically two things that cause it.
1. if your oil level is low there is not enough pressure to lube those parts when the oil is cold. once the oil comes up to temp and thins out, the pressure is greater and is able to lube and cool those parts properly.
2. the other reason is that the clearance between the parts is greater than it should be. that could result from excessive wear which would be a result of high miles or lack of oil. You obviously don't have high miles. The other possibilties are manuf. defect or assembly error.
the above is stated assuming that it is lifter/rocker tap. It's hard to know wothout hearing it, and even then its sometimes hard to know.
DO NOT let the service advisor or service manager tell you it is nothing. Ask for the head mechanic to listen to it. I realize that it only does it when its cold. You'll have to leave it with them - they provide loaners - and stress that the mechanic needs to be the one who starts it up first thing the next day; not some porter kid.

'04 coupe6mt
ivory premium aero

92 plymouth laser AWD
heavily modified for solo II
11.51@118 on 215/55 goodyear eagles

03 dodge ram quadcab 4X4 Hemi

 

Are you sure its from your engine? I just found out that my rear axel needs to be replaced under warranty for the knocking/tapping that sounds like its coming from the front also, its a known problem! I thought it was my exhaust hitting something but it isnt!


Martin
2003.5 BS G35
Nismo Aero/Sport Package
0-60 5.4 - 1/4 Mile 14.16 *GTech* and on 19's!!

 

I have experienced exactly the same thing. Specific sequence of events are a) start car cold and drive for VERY short distance (like, into the garage), then b) come back hours later and start up.

I was very concerned when I heard it, so called service manager and told him of the loud tapping. He immediately asked if I had previously started car cold and drove it a short distance. He said that's "normal," and, since he pegged the sequence leading up to it without my prompting, it does sound like he's seen it before. (His explanation as to why it occurs - something about a rich fuel mixture displacing oil from the valve lash adjusters - sounded a little fishy, but oh well).

It's pretty clearly coming from the valve train. It can't be good for the car, even if it's normal. I try not to move the car a short distance then leave overnight now - the sound hasn't reoccured.

 

Hey Steve, thats reassuring to hear. Where in MD are you because I am too? Did you call Jim Colemen in Bethesda or did you get yours from Passport?

Clears | Pedals | 35% TINT | Z-Tube | 4080 Stealthbox - JL 10w3 | Escort 8500 | PIAA's | Xenarc 7" Screen - DVD | Infinity Kappa's

 

I work in Rockville. Bought and get service from Jim Coleman in Bethesda.

 

OK. Jim Coleman is where I get mine serviced as well. By any chance, is your service manager Fitz? Cause thats the response he gave me. Maybe I should seek a second opinion on this just in case.

Clears | Pedals | 35% TINT | Z-Tube | 4080 Stealthbox - JL 10w3 | Escort 8500 | PIAA's | Xenarc 7" Screen - DVD | Infinity Kappa's

 

Yep - Fitz is the guy I work with.

 

OK small world huh? Well thats the reasoning he gave me for the loud sound. I'll investigate more and see if I hear it again.

Clears | Pedals | 35% TINT | Z-Tube | 4080 Stealthbox - JL 10w3 | Escort 8500 | PIAA's | Xenarc 7" Screen - DVD | Infinity Kappa's

 

Well good news. Took it out to the store during lunch. Started it twice and had no problems at all. I'll keep monitoring it and see what happens. Thanks.

Clears | Pedals | 35% TINT | Z-Tube | 4080 Stealthbox - JL 10w3 | Escort 8500 | PIAA's | Xenarc 7" Screen - DVD | Infinity Kappa's

 

It's even more common in SBCs (Small Block Chevies) so you can feel confident it's not bad even though it might sound a bit disconcerting. Just go easy on the car until it is warmed up enough that the sound goes away. And of course keep an eye on the oil level.

Mine's due for an LOF and some gripes I want addressed so I'll be taking it to Fitz since you recommended him to me in another thread in the past.