97 harbody bad engine rattle at start up

ntf · 09-01-2009, 04:20 PM

I have a 97 Nissan hardbody p/u. 2.4 liter 4 cyl
When I start it up, it rattles like crazy till the oil prssure light goes off.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance for any help

bradrhale · 09-02-2009, 11:29 AM

rattling is probably the lifters ticking due to lack of oil if you say it quits after the oil pressure light goes off. makes me wonder if your pump is losing pressure and or losing prime.

tjet · 09-19-2009, 07:11 PM

I also have a '97 Nissan p/u with 160,000 miles & it does the same thing. You can lessen it a little by using an OEM Nissan oil filter, which prevents drainback. The noise is caused by no oil (pressure) in the timing chain tensioner, which uses eng oil pressure to apply tension to the chain. It is very normal for nissan trucks, so don't worry about it.
Cool forum

dejast · 10-24-2009, 11:06 AM

there are plastic chain guides in the timing cover, this prevents the chains from coming into contact with the aluminum cover. your guides are broken, thus causing the noise. replace the parts with a kit. this includes everything you need, chain, gears seal & guides. this will eliminate rattle on start up.

09-01-2009, 04:20 PM	#1
ntf Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1	97 harbody bad engine rattle at start up I have a 97 Nissan hardbody p/u. 2.4 liter 4 cyl When I start it up, it rattles like crazy till the oil prssure light goes off. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for any help Last edited by ntf; 09-01-2009 at 04:30 PM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
4.3l Engine will not start when hot	CLAYC	Chevy Truck Forum	5	07-21-2008 11:53 AM
engine rattle at start	67redbowtie	GMC Truck Forum	6	05-27-2007 07:39 AM
Intake Manifold (engine will not start)	nickotyler	Chevy Truck Forum	4	01-25-2007 09:27 PM
another engine start issue...	johnboytx	Chevy Truck Forum	1	01-16-2006 05:07 PM

09-02-2009, 11:29 AM	#2
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 8,021	rattling is probably the lifters ticking due to lack of oil if you say it quits after the oil pressure light goes off. makes me wonder if your pump is losing pressure and or losing prime.

09-19-2009, 07:11 PM	#3
tjet Full Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: ct Posts: 14	I also have a '97 Nissan p/u with 160,000 miles & it does the same thing. You can lessen it a little by using an OEM Nissan oil filter, which prevents drainback. The noise is caused by no oil (pressure) in the timing chain tensioner, which uses eng oil pressure to apply tension to the chain. It is very normal for nissan trucks, so don't worry about it. Cool forum

10-24-2009, 11:06 AM	#4
dejast Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	there are plastic chain guides in the timing cover, this prevents the chains from coming into contact with the aluminum cover. your guides are broken, thus causing the noise. replace the parts with a kit. this includes everything you need, chain, gears seal & guides. this will eliminate rattle on start up.