[Varsity]

This has only happened twice, but it is disturbing. There is a loud clatter, engine knock, rod knock coming from the engine when cold started (sitting outside, 40 degrees or less, 1.5-2 days). It lasts 1-5 seconds.

I run mobil 1 synthetic, changed every 3k miles.

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[studybuddy]

That is disturbing...hope someone has your answer :bump:

 

[LeMansEAKZ]

[/quote]
Mine does the exact same thing and I run the exact same oil. Some days are worse than others but always when it is cold. Last time I changed the oil it did not do it for a few days. I am not that worried about it but still interesting. To me it also seems to do it when I depress the clutch the first few times in the AM when it is cold.

I have choked it up to giving it time for the oil to circulate and coat everything. Am I wrong here guys? Is something wrong? My car runs like a dream.

Ehhhh, every car makes a little racket when you first start it (or therwise) if you listen real close, especially on a cold morning IMHO.

 

[toykilla]

I used to hear that too, but i think it was coming from the transmission.

 

[350zluvr]

If I let the Z sit for 9 hours (warm or cold outside) it does make a grinding noise upon initial start-up that last for maybe half a second at most.

I asked my dealer about this issue and he asked me what weight of oil I am running (not what type) as the heavier the oil the longer it takes for it to get to the top of the engine for lubrication. I use 0/30 synthetic in mine, so he could not guesstimate the cause of my issue.

 

[jinxxycat]

I haven't experienced this and I live in Pittsburgh......wierd. Are all yall driving MT's??? I have 5AT.

 

[mr350zed]

i thought i was the only one with this problem....it usually comes around after a lenghty period of driving and once im stationery...its pretty evident that there is this 'clanking' noise coming from somewhere beneath the under carriage of the car....possibly near the transmission. took it to my local dealer and he pretty much said this kind of occurances are pretty normal....(i think not) as he also mentioned that zed transmission are built like that of trucks....hard to believe.....

although....whenever the clutch is depressed fully...this mysterious 'clanking' noise, disappears completely and returns after the clutch has been released.

any ideas anyone??

mr350zed

 

[KeithZ]

I have experienced this with both my '87 Pathfinder and '00 Maxima. Similar engines. I just figure it's the lifters until the oil pressure comes up. Probably more noticable in the cold since the oil pressure takes longer to come up, but I am just guessing here since I live in Florida.

 

[LeMansEAKZ]

[/quote]
Yeah that sounds more like what mine does. It seems to go away if you fully depress the clutch.

Again I am not really worried about it , especially since others have had this strange rattling sound. I am using full synthetic Mobil 1 but I cannot recall what grade. I am sure it is standard (what ever manual calls for).

 

[Varsity]

I work at a GMC dealership. The noise occurred as I was starting my car to go eat lunch. A technician was in the car with me when I started her up. He said "what was that, it sounded like a engine knock." So, I don't think it was a tranny noise.

And yes, it's a MT.

 

[Nuff]

I had the same problem with mobil 1, even at idle the engine was noisy. After changing to a different brand of oil the engine is silent on startup and when idling. If I were you guys i would try to change to a different oil and see if it helps, if it's still a problem might be a good idea to see a dealer.

 

[sidewayz]

Mine does it as well only during winter after sitting overnight, but not unless its pretty cold outside. I have 5AT and every oil change performed at the dealer with whatever brand of 10W30 they use. IMO, its the lifters waiting for that first pump of oil (could be wrong though).

 

[Frostbitblue]

I have owned 2 350Z's. A 2005 and a 2007. My 2005 started making some kind of valve clatter during acceleration from zero and in second gear and generally under hard acceleration. When I traded the car in the mechanics told me I had a damaged rod. This noise started at around 1,000 miles on the car.
I traded in for a 2007 350Z and again, same problem. I have about 4,000 miles on the car now and it's been making the same noises since about a 1,000 miles. Any one else?

 

[raycs7]

The engine noise is sporadic on startup on my DD 03 track. Lasts about a second, sometimes less.
I have Mobil synth.
The tranny noise is there on idle with the clutch released on idle.

My auto roadster has regular oil at the moment, no noise.

 

[jerseyTom]

Any sort of clattering / knocking noise coming from the engine I would have fixed immediately. Try some different brand of 5W30 (Castrol Syntec maybe).. and if doesnt get rid of the problem right away, get that to a dealer.

Oil pressure should be developed while the engine is still cranking.

Bizzarre problem though!

 

[Frostbitblue]

Thanks. I'll try. I live in Arizona so cold temp is never a problem. Thanks again

Any sort of clattering / knocking noise coming from the engine I would have fixed immediately. Try some different brand of 5W30 (Castrol Syntec maybe).. and if doesnt get rid of the problem right away, get that to a dealer.

Oil pressure should be developed while the engine is still cranking.

Bizzarre problem though!

 

[ChargedZ]

ok we have two issues mingling here. sounds like one is the startup issue where the hydraulic tensioner doesnt have the pressure fully at startup so there is some slack in the chain and u hear it rattling.

the other issue sounds like its flywheel chatter. im referring to the issue when already driving instead of just at startup

 

[Camshaft2]

On a kinda unrelated note.........I'm not sure why you're changing synthetic after only 3k miles......throwing your money away.

Cam