Knocking normal?

370zFORme!! · 03-11-2010, 12:54 PM

Ok so, Ive been searching online and on this forum unsuccessfully for answers, I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this for me. I know this topic has been beaten to death about what oil is best for engine knocking, but I have not found my answer yet. Since I purchased my 370z about 3 weeks ago, I've been hearing a slight engine knocking. Almost sounds like a lifter tap. Ive had my first oil change done and they used Nissan Ester oil. They say its normal, but you never know with the dealer these days. I was under the impression from other posts that supposedly Nissan Ester oil helps with these knocking noises. In my situation it has not.

Couple things:
1. Is knocking normal on our cars?
2. Are there any safe additives out there for reducing engine knocking?
3. Anyone else had good experiences with noise reduction after switching to an Ester based full synthetic like Redline, or Motul?

Sorry if these are silly questions, but this being the first $30000+ car I've ever purchased, I'm a little paranoid about excessive engine noise. Any suggestions are appreciated in advance!

Modshack · 03-11-2010, 01:17 PM

Ticking or knocking? Your description sounds more like ticking. Fuel Injectors are quite noisy and it very well could be them..Not much you can do to quiet them..

Kyle@STILLEN · 03-11-2010, 01:23 PM

Do you know if the dealership did in fact use Nissan Ester oil? Most dealerships do not. This can cause a ticking sound in the valves.

370zFORme!! · 03-11-2010, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle@STILLEN

Do you know if the dealership did in fact use Nissan Ester oil? Most dealerships do not. This can cause a ticking sound in the valves.

I asked them for it specifically and the paperwork says Nissan 5W-30 EP and it was $11.99/ quart which is what I've read that Nissan Ester oil costs. The Nissan part number is 999MP.

gh0st3794 · 03-19-2010, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370zFORme!!

I asked them for it specifically and the paperwork says Nissan 5W-30 EP and it was $11.99/ quart which is what I've read that Nissan Ester oil costs. The Nissan part number is 999MP.

This is why I like doing my own oil changes. Half the time you don't know what the dealer/quick-lube is filling with. I don't trust most service managers\techs at dealers, so even if they told me they filled with the requested oil I would still be questioning their trustworthiness.

370zFORme!! · 03-19-2010, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gh0st3794

This is why I like doing my own oil changes. Half the time you don't know what the dealer/quick-lube is filling with. I don't trust most service managers\techs at dealers, so even if they told me they filled with the requested oil I would still be questioning their trustworthiness.

Ya I just purchased my Rhino ramps, and all my tools so I can start doing my own changes. I should have sharpeed the oil filter before my first oil change. Especially since my first one was free, I'm assuming they didn't use Ester oil or change my oil filter since I went in at 856 miles. Well I didn't mean to turn this into another oil thread, but I'm switching to Redline after 5000 miles. I had the tapping before, went in, they tell me ester oil will rid it completely, and it obviously did nothing.

6MT · 03-11-2010, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modshack

Ticking or knocking? Your description sounds more like ticking. Fuel Injectors are quite noisy and it very well could be them..Not much you can do to quiet them..

Probably not a knock. But, Modshack is correct... the injectors do make a ticking noise. I haven't noticed this. But when I started my engine after 3 months of storage, there was a slight noise for about a half a second or so. I attribute that to dry start and nothing else.

370zFORme!! · 03-11-2010, 01:22 PM

I guess you could say its more of a tick, the dealer told me the same thing, that its the injectors on the Z's and the Maximas that are loud like that. if I drive by a wall or a drive-thru or something, you can really hear it. I guess I just have to get a nice exhaust to drown it out.

SoCal 370Z · 03-11-2010, 01:34 PM

Kyle has a good point, as does Modshack, there is also this TSB: Tapping Noise from Dash Area when Engine is Running Ignore applicable years as these can be revised for year.

370zFORme!! · 03-11-2010, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

Kyle has a good point, as does Modshack, there is also this TSB: Tapping Noise from Dash Area when Engine is Running Ignore applicable years as these can be revised for year.

So just take it in to the dealer and tell them I need a Heater core flush?

SoCal 370Z · 03-11-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370zFORme!!

So just take it in to the dealer and tell them I need a Heater core flush?

Not necessarily as it might not be the problem, but you can bring up the TSB to your dealer. What grade and brand of fuel are you running? (Please don't tell me COSTCO!)

370zFORme!! · 03-11-2010, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

No necessarily as it might not be the problem, but you can bring up the TSB to your dealer. What grade and brand of fuel are you running? (Please don't tell me COSTCO!)

Never! I dont even shop at costco let alone use their gas.

I have always used 91. There is a gas station near my parents that sells race gas 100 octane! I might try that and see if that helps!

370Zsteve · 03-11-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370zFORme!!

Never! I dont even shop at costco let alone use their gas.

I have always used 91. There is a gas station near my parents that sells race gas 100 octane! I might try that and see if that helps!

O/T nothing wrong with Costco gas or any other off-brand fuel. It all comes from the same refineries.

SoCal 370Z · 03-11-2010, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370zFORme!!

Never! I dont even shop at costco let alone use their gas.

I have always used 91. There is a gas station near my parents that sells race gas 100 octane! I might try that and see if that helps!

I am going to recommend this before Modshack does...run a bottle Techron Concentrate Plus in your gas tank and see what that does. Also, what vehicle did you have before this as injectors can be very noisy at times and if you are not accustom to the noise then the first time you deal with it is always appears odd.

tbonesteak · 03-11-2010, 03:30 PM

I did hear it when i bought the car, but it doesn't tick anymore. Weird. Hopefully yours goes away too.

03-11-2010, 12:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
370zFORme!! Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,459 Drives: 2012 6MT STiffy Rep Power: 18	Knocking normal? Ok so, Ive been searching online and on this forum unsuccessfully for answers, I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this for me. I know this topic has been beaten to death about what oil is best for engine knocking, but I have not found my answer yet. Since I purchased my 370z about 3 weeks ago, I've been hearing a slight engine knocking. Almost sounds like a lifter tap. Ive had my first oil change done and they used Nissan Ester oil. They say its normal, but you never know with the dealer these days. I was under the impression from other posts that supposedly Nissan Ester oil helps with these knocking noises. In my situation it has not. Couple things: 1. Is knocking normal on our cars? 2. Are there any safe additives out there for reducing engine knocking? 3. Anyone else had good experiences with noise reduction after switching to an Ester based full synthetic like Redline, or Motul? Sorry if these are silly questions, but this being the first $30000+ car I've ever purchased, I'm a little paranoid about excessive engine noise. Any suggestions are appreciated in advance!

03-11-2010, 01:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Modshack A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greenville NC Posts: 2,883 Drives: 370Z Sport Rep Power: 977	Ticking or knocking? Your description sounds more like ticking. Fuel Injectors are quite noisy and it very well could be them..Not much you can do to quiet them.. __________________ Steal my car! (SOLD)...Now Porsche Cayman S Oil Cooler DIY: Here!

03-11-2010, 01:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 34	Kyle has a good point, as does Modshack, there is also this TSB: Tapping Noise from Dash Area when Engine is Running Ignore applicable years as these can be revised for year. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Engine Knocking	mikeacetate	Australia/New Zealand	6	10-11-2012 07:26 PM
knocking noise from the rear? please help!	black09Z	Engine & Drivetrain	22	11-24-2009 07:49 PM
Is it normal	edeeZee	Engine & Drivetrain	29	07-11-2009 02:53 PM
Knocking?	molamann	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	4	03-17-2009 12:14 PM

03-11-2010, 01:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
Kyle@STILLEN The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Newport Beach Posts: 626 Drives: Toyota Tundra Rep Power: 307	Do you know if the dealership did in fact use Nissan Ester oil? Most dealerships do not. This can cause a ticking sound in the valves.

03-11-2010, 01:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
370zFORme!! Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,459 Drives: 2012 6MT STiffy Rep Power: 18	I guess you could say its more of a tick, the dealer told me the same thing, that its the injectors on the Z's and the Maximas that are loud like that. if I drive by a wall or a drive-thru or something, you can really hear it. I guess I just have to get a nice exhaust to drown it out.

03-11-2010, 03:30 PM	#15 (permalink)
tbonesteak Track Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 914 Drives: MY09 MB 6MT Rep Power: 376	I did hear it when i bought the car, but it doesn't tick anymore. Weird. Hopefully yours goes away too.