[KRedd]

Hi, so my '22 with about 1,800km (1,100 miles) has a loud noise that happens on cold starts. It's loud enough that 2 neighbours have approached to ask what's wrong. The car has to be sitting overnight or a full work day for the noise to be there and lasts for about a minute or just over. In the morning when I exit my underground parking and go up the ramp, it will disappear at a higher RPM but then come back as I let off the gas and then eventually go away.

If it's been sitting just a couple of hours it won't happen, if sitting for maybe 4-5 hours then it might happen but won't last long.

I took it to the dealer a couple of weeks ago but I don't think they let it sit long enough because while though they could hear it and admit it doesn't sound normal, they said it didn't last long enough to pinpoint what it could be.

Any ideas what it could be?

Thanks

 

[Optimus Prime]

That's not normal, something is wrong.
Timing belt?

 

[MrEous]

Sounds like engine isn't getting enough oil at startup. Take it back and show them the video.

 

[DRK-PTHFNDR]

Hmmm, that sound reminds me of the infamous radiator fan on the R52 starting to fail. Could it be something else?

 

[KRedd]

The guy who parks beside me thought it was an oil problem too. I had originally sent them a video when I set up the appointment. Then when I was there I showed them a second. They still said they couldn't pinpoint it because it wasn't lasting long enough and they would be changing parts blindly.

I don't think the radiator fan was on and the air conditioning was off.

Off topic but when I was at the dealer another '22 was in there getting a new timing chain 😕.

 

[PoManzPathy]

From my laptop's speakers, that youtube clip sounds like a rod knock or some type of mechanical knock. I don't notice anything fade away, it's the same sounds the whole clip (from my speakers).

 

[KRedd]

Thanks for the reply. That's right, the sound lasted the entire clip. It fades away after a minute or two. Maybe I should start to time it.

If it was a rod, would that go away after that minute?

 

[Hebrew Hammer]

Thanks for the reply. That's right, the sound lasted the entire clip. It fades away after a minute or two. Maybe I should start to time it.

If it was a rod, would that go away after that minute?

Wow - this noise is disturbing.
I don't think a bad/bent rod issue would disappear on it's own.
I am also thinking the oil isn't getting to the top end on a cold start.
Could it be lifter noise?

 

[RDouglas]

Sounds like lifter / camshaft noise, could also be timing chain tensioners, definitely not right.

What is the Build date on the label at the door jam ?

 

[Hebrew Hammer]

Sounds like lifter / camshaft noise, could also be timing chain tensioners, definitely not right.

What is the Build date on the label at the door jam ?

I am thinking possibly a lifter noise too. If it's more than one lifter - the noise could be excessive!
Just adjusted all 16 lifters on the '38 Chevy (see avatar) - all the lifter noises quieted down completely. Now the engine is humming!!

 

[Atombomb231]

Look into the AC compressor noise

 

[PoManzPathy]

I'm pretty certain there are no lifters or hydraulic lash adjusters on these VQ35's. The cams sit directly over the valve stems. You adjust valve lash by replacing shims or buckets, which basically no one ever does, nor is it needed.

 

[TejasMtnBiker]

Another possible is exhaust manifold leak at the cylinder head, the aluminum head with steel bolts expands when it's hot & noise goes away, but cold start up a tiny leak makes a tapping sound till it gets hot, expands and closes the gap. Had this happen on my Hemi 5.7. Just my experience with start up tapping on a relatively new vehicle

 

[TejasMtnBiker]

I am thinking possibly a lifter noise too. If it's more than one lifter - the noise could be excessive!
Just adjusted all 16 lifters on the '38 Chevy (see avatar) - all the lifter noises quieted down completely. Now the engine is humming!!

Sweet lookin rod! Hot lash back in my days 💪💪🍻

 

[KRedd]

Thanks for the help so far everyone!!

Sounds like lifter / camshaft noise, could also be timing chain tensioners, definitely not right.

What is the Build date on the label at the door jam ?

March '22. We put in our order last Aug or Sept and waited 9 months to get it.

I'm pretty certain there are no lifters or hydraulic lash adjusters on these VQ35's. The cams sit directly over the valve stems. You adjust valve lash by replacing shims or buckets, which basically no one ever does, nor is it needed.

Oh wow thanks for letting me know. A lot of thing's I've read said lifters, but those searches weren't specific to a '22 Pathfinder.

Another possible is exhaust manifold leak at the cylinder head, the aluminum head with steel bolts expands when it's hot & noise goes away, but cold start up a tiny leak makes a tapping sound till it gets hot, expands and closes the gap. Had this happen on my Hemi 5.7. Just my experience with start up tapping on a relatively new vehicle

Ok, thanks for that. I'll see if I can poke around and at least have a better idea.

 

[Hebrew Hammer]

Sweet lookin rod! Hot lash back in my days 💪💪🍻

Thanks - that hot rod turned out to be my retirement bike!! I had a near fatal crash in 2015. Was able to recover and went for the hot rod instead of a bike. Bittersweet exchange, for sure!

 

[Hebrew Hammer]

I'm pretty certain there are no lifters or hydraulic lash adjusters on these VQ35's. The cams sit directly over the valve stems. You adjust valve lash by replacing shims or buckets, which basically no one ever does, nor is it needed.

Thanks for this info - I had no idea!!!