1998 Nissan Altima Rattle at start up

Tiny
SEAN77
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 NISSAN ALTIMA
Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Nissan Altima 4 cyl Automatic 56,000 miles

I just purchased a 98 altima in hopes it will get me around for a few years trouble free. I just noticed that the car makes a rattle noise when I first start the car. It sounds like it is starved for oil like just after you change the oil and start it for the first time. It only does it for a second or two and when the car has been sitting for a few hours. Is this a normal sound for this particular car? I am running a semi-synthetic 5-30. The car was only driven 3k miles in the past 18 months. Could this maybe have something to do with it? Thanks for your time.
Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 AT 9:26 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi sean77,

It is a chain driven engine and if the noise is only for a very short time and not very loud, it is ok since there is some wear in the chain and sprockets.

If the time is prolonged or the noise is very loud, you ought to have the chains and tensioners replaced.
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Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 AT 12:33 PM
Tiny
SEAN77
  • MEMBER
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It sounds more like piston slap than a chain noise. I will listen with my stethescope at next start up for the area it is coming from. Thanks for your time.
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Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 AT 4:45 PM

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