"Occassionally", I get, what is best described as, a valve train type of clatter/noise upon start up after my G has been sitting overnight. It's not the first time I've ever heard this....I would also get it from my Avalanche in the same scenario.??? I use only K&N filters (which help prevent drain-back) and Mobil 1. I have'nt gone back out into the shop and asked anybody yet (too lazy) and besides, it's infrequent enough not to be urgent to me yet.JBX

 

Haven't experienced it myself.

Was it in cold weather?
That used to be a common problem (not with the G) especially on dino,
the oil would get thick & harder to pump at first.

We've had a few really cold mornings & was no problem.
I'm on Amsoil & though that it helped.

But you're on synth already, so I'm stumped.

 

It sounds silly but check your oil. I was getting the same noise and found that the oil was too low. This engine drinks more oil than any other car I have owned

 

Factory oil filter and good synthetic oil (I personally like royal purple) has always helped me prevent any startup noise. It's a common problem on the older 2.0L Nissan Motors and on those there's no sign of any wear or damage from the noise, it's just annoying.

 

The only thing I can think of is that it occurs primarily when it's parked in front of my house, which is on a slight upward incline, and not when it's in the driveway. Oil pooling to the rear of the engine and pan perhaps???? aaaaggghhh way too much thinking most likely lol!!!! thanks JBX

 

What you are hearing isn't unusual, my G doesn't do it, but most other cars I have had, always had some noise when first starting, especially on very cold mornings, it's okay, as long as it's only brief! Oh, and to the comment about drinking oil, my G is fine, never have even been slightly low, I'm at 14k now.

 

I have mild valve train noise on mine. Nothing serious, and nothing to worry about. Cold starts, sitting overnight, all contribute to this. It might not be a bad idea to check your oil, however.

 

Same for me, just did my 3rd oil change & I've never added a drop of oil.
I check it weekly as a minimum & it was never down by more than a thimble full.

 

Well,

I am at 52,000 miles and do not have an oil consumption problem.

 

What you are hearing is the timing chain tensioner. This is a common problem with the 3.5 VQs and some higher mileage 3.0 VQs. The good news is it's not serious and it's really not a problem at all. Nissan labels this as "normal operation". The sound you are hearing is the tensioner rubbing the chain. The sound should go away within 1-2 seconds once the chain splashes some oil on the tensioner.

 

This (the timing chain tensioner) makes complete sense. And, so does too why it's only happening when it's parked on the street (the incline) thanx ,JBX PS ......for those who turned this into an oil consumption thread....mine does not burn a drop between changes, and it was broke in "hard" and put away wet ...JBX