Engine rattles between 1700-2000 RPM

Tiny
TONG2
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 115,000 MILES
I have a 2002 nissan Maxima 3.5 SE with 115,000 miles. When RPM reads between 1700-2000 and waiting for it to shift gear there is a sound like a rattling sound coming from engine. What could that be telling me? When it is at cruising speed there is no noise. Checked my engine temp and it's in 1/4 level and coolant level is normal.
Monday, September 5th, 2011 AT 10:35 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
The 3.5 motor has a few hydraulic tensioners that work with timing chains for the variable cam system.
It is a very touchy sytem and any low oil or avoiding the oil change recomendations of the manufacturer will cause them to get dirty and start to let the timing chains get loose and rattle.
I would suggest changing the oil early, 1500 miles with a synthetic or SYN-Blend and maybe even an engine flush, (you can find one by Lucas Brothers at a parts store, and see what happens.
Also, always use an OEM Nissan filter as it has an anti-drainback valve that keeps oil in the top end for start up. This is very important to keep the motor in good shape. Mobil 1 makes a good filter too.
Try getting some fuel system cleaner as it will help the top end as well. Use SEA FOAM or BG44K, as they are the only good fuel system cleaners that really work. Use them just before changing oil as they work so well they will dirty the oil from the deposits they remove.
I hope this helps out.
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Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 AT 1:09 AM
Tiny
LAWEBER2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thank you so much for this info! I had my car in the shop with the same symptoms and they wanted to rip it all apart and were talking about a new engine. We took it home and tried your recommendations and it's running smooth now! Really appreciate this site!
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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 AT 6:40 PM
Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 AT 11:17 PM
Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
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Monday, September 19th, 2011 AT 4:36 AM

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