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Spiffy1
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| Posted: Aug 25 2010 at 3:30pm | IP Logged
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Hello,
I own an 02 Frontier XE V6 4x4 and there is this annoying ticking coming from the engine. I realize there is a Nissan TSB for valve chatter/ticking but it is getting ridiculous and I'm worried it is more than that.
So it started out as a 2-3 second ticking noise that only occurred upon cold start on a cold day (below 40ºF) Then it progressed to ticking 2-3 seconds at every cold start regardless of the temperature.
Next the ticking got longer in duration. It is up to about one minute at times until it goes away but it always goes away. It will not tick if the needle is at C or above on the temperature gauge. Also, things have gotten even weirder now. The damn tick used to start right when I turned the key, now it doesn't. I'll turn the key and it will be silent for about 5-10 seconds then abracadabra there is that ticking. I'm losing it with this tick. Also the tick only occurs between 1300rpm-1600rpm, so if it's at idle and I rev it past 1600 the tick is gone. Am I being paranoid or should I be worried? There is no change in driveablitiy, gas mileage, or performance that I have noticed since the beginning of the ticking until now. My friend says that oil flow isn't getting to the lifters fast enough and the lifters probably could use changing. Does this sound right? How long can you go with ticky lifters if that is the problem? Does that even sound like the problem? If not then what do you folks think it is?
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frontierguy
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| Posted: Aug 25 2010 at 5:08pm | IP Logged
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Have you tried any oil additives such as Lucas products? Are you sure it is not an ex leak from a cracked manifold you may be hearing?
__________________
'10 Altima SL
Traded 08 Frontier for 16 Frontier SV CC Long box, quite an upgrade. I do miss the 6 speed and Dynomax ex.
Nissan Technician 25 + years
2011 John Deere X720SE
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Spiffy1
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| Posted: Aug 27 2010 at 12:17pm | IP Logged
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Yes I have tried many different oils and additives (lucas,
Wynns & MOM) none did anything. As far as oil goes the tick seems
to
respond the best to Valvoline 10w-30 Synthetic Blend. I'm not really
sure
why but it ticks the least with this stuff. I edited my other post
since
you are advanced with the Frontier. Apparently I need a catalytic
converter plus whatever is causing the ticking. I am
really
saddened by this truck. It is the newest vehicle I've ever had with
the
most problems. I love the truck but this is getting ridiculous. How do you post a sound clip? I have a recording of the ticking which will help but there's no option to do so?
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Spiffy1
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| Posted: Aug 27 2010 at 3:50pm | IP Logged
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If it helps more, it is a constant tick like a sewing machine. I got under the truck while it was ticking and then listened inside the bay and swear it is coming from under the valve cover. I am exactly what my stars say though, a newbie...so I wish I could upload the recording since it would help so so much. I love this truck but this ticking is driving me mad. I also have a P0420 code which I apparently need a catalytic converter as well? Depressing....
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Spiffy1
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| Posted: Aug 28 2010 at 4:54pm | IP Logged
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I don't mean to offend or insult but no one here his had a ticking in their 02-04 Frontier that could shed some light on my problem? Really? Does anyone want an 02 Frontier 4x4 for cheap then? I guess I'm going to have to go with my gut instinct and buy a 93 Honda Accord like I original wanted since they are indestructible.
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dsarains
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| Posted: Aug 28 2010 at 6:36pm | IP Logged
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I believe I know the noise of which you speak. Ive had around the same issue, although my ticking noise is on cold start, cold (below 50 probably) days. Its a little chatter that is proportional to the RPMs, and usually faded after 15-20 seconds.
The solution I found? I started running 91 octane and Ive never had it since. Personally, Ive found that the 91 from chevron and texaco (with the techron stuff w/e) gives me better mileage with less power. Currently Im mostly running a basic 91 octane from the local Golden Gate (mostly a carrier diesel chain around here) with some stuff from texaco near my work if I forget every once in a while. I also drop Lucas fuel additive in there every 4-6 months just...because I can.
Frontiers are great trucks, like most cars. Just a bummer that you got it right before it needed fixing, not right after it got fixed. Ive got almost 90k on my Nissan with no major issues whatsoever. Hell, Im even running the same Michelin tires on the thing from when I got the truck with 18k on it :P
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2004 Frontier XE King Cab
V6 3.3L (VG33E) - 5 Speed
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Kenwood 6.5" Front
Alcoa Forged 16" Rims
BFG Rugged Terrain T/As @ LT265/70
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bcaughhorn
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| Posted: Aug 29 2010 at 11:39am | IP Logged
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i have a 04 and have had no issues with the motor.(plenty with the a/c). i havent done anyhting but put a new battery in it. i bought it with 23k it now has 127k. its been a great truck. havent even done a tune up or timing belt(yet). it is due though, i have noticed a difference in gas mileage.
i used to have a rodeo that had a ticking issue. i used castrol gtx 20 50 and that stopped the ticking. i tried a few other oils that didnt quiet it down any
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Spiffy1
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| Posted: Aug 30 2010 at 4:03pm | IP Logged
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Well I appreciate the input, but I have already done that. Since I've owned my Fronty it has never had anything below 91 octane. So I don't think gas has the same effect or our ticks are completely unrelated though I do however appreciate your input. I don't drive my truck very hard or I don't think I do. I shift at about 3k on flat ground, slightly different for hills/curves. I dont beat it or take it off road. I don't start it and immediately take off, I let things "flow" first. I just find it weird that out of no where this ticking starts and no one has an explanation. The ticking does not follow the RPM's, meaning; If I rev it up the ticking does not get faster. It is a very pronounced tick coming from beneath the valve cover that only happens on cold starts between the RPM range of 1300-1600rpms. I have a recording as stated and the ticking is noticeable, so I think someone with a little frontier expertise would be able to answer my question of what is causing this ticking?
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Nissan Frontier Forums : Problems / Technical
Topic: Ticking....
