Valve cover rattle S14 SR20DET, PLEASE HELP

[stillen]

Hi Guys, I looked everywhere on the net and on forums trying to figure out this problem. Asked around even with some sr20det experienced mechanics, nobody knows how to fix it. I have an S14 SR20DET. The engine rattles over the valve cover on the intake side only between 1000rpm-2000rpm. Now when the VTC solenoid is disconnected, it doesn't do that sound but driving the car without VTC sux. Anyway this is what we have tried so far:
1.Replaced the cam (didn't work)
2.Replaced the Intake cam sproket (didn't work)
3.Replaced the VTC solenoid (didn't work)
4.Cleaned the oil pan and what ever is at the bottom of the block (didn't work)

Watch the video at this link of the sound:
http://s238.photobucket.com/albums/ff131/stillen7/?action=view&current=Rattle.flv

And mind you this engine was fully rebuilt with new everything. It didn't do that sound until I drove it about 400miles. And I broke it in smoothly, I never reved it above 3000rpm for 2000miles. I hope somebody here knows the solution. PLEASE HELP. By the way the car runs and pulls hard no problem but the sound bothers me.

[kuruptR]

I have had the same problem on both my s14 sr20dets.

Its a timing chain rattle. I had replaced the tensioner/oilpump/chain/guides. After replacing this, the sound was still there. I got a few second opinions, they gave me the its the VTC... or so and so. Well no one could figure it out, so I drove with it for a few more months. As I drove it longer the oil light stayed on longer after start up.

I ended up getting the motor warranteed. Now I have the same problem, but not as severe. They ended up fixing the motor I returned, It seems to be common that the bearings get shredded when the motor is started after being stored for so long.

Get the oil pressure back up and you should be good.

[stillen]

I have a brand new oil pump, and the oil light doesn't or stay on at all after start up. The oil level never dropped and it has been in tere now for 2500miles, mind you we changeed the oil when that rattle came on.

[Koopa Troopa]

Oil pressure isn't the problem. SR heads are designed to have low oil pressure.
Hell I got 3 places on my valve cover where bolts are missing or snapped off the head and I don't leak any oil.

SR heads are also noisy. If you can't find anything wrong with the head there prolly isn't anything wrong.

[jackal264]

i also ran into this problem with my first s14 sr and like you every one i had look at it said it was the vvt but no one could fix it.... but i ran the car like that for 6 months untill the engine finally went

[khilgers]

timing chain guide perhaps?

[florante rea]

someone told me the rattle cause by worned out o-ring inside the cam sprocket. i am worried about this problem too. i can double check my sources again.

[stillen]

It is related to the VTC solenoid. When it is disconnected, there is no sound. We changed that, we also changed the cam and we also changed the sprocket, all taken from an engine that doesn't make that sound. All that didn't correct it.

[stillen]

Guys please watch the video and tell me if you know about this problem and how to fix it. Please read the beginning of the thread to explain to you what I hav done to try to fix it. Thanks. Any input other than the above is appreciated.

http://s238.photobucket.com/albums/ff131/stillen7/?action=view&current=Rattle.flv

[kuruptR]

Honestly try replacing the bearings, this is a very common problem. We have sold hundreds of sr20dets. Though the light maynot come on its a oil pressure problem. Its been a while since you first posted, now seeing this problem more and more this is the solution.

A new Oil pump may increase the pressure a little, if you dont want to pull the motor just take of the subframe. Hang the motor do even the first two sets of bearings and you will notice a differnce.

Also, if you changed or updated the timing chain with a timing chain kit. The dealer tells me with the new(updated) ones you wont need the top guide no more as the noise usually comes from this.

[sean350z]

Have you tried just for kicks replacing the S14 cam gear with an S13 one and cam while having the solenoid disconnected? Doing this will completely rule out that it's a NVCS thing and it's worth a try condsidering it's rather easy to do.

Other questions...Did you reshim your head? Did you bleed your lifters? Did you replace the chain tensioner? Did you double check your torque of all bolts? Does it happen under load in all rpms?

All moving parts in the head should be checked before ripping apart the bottom end. The fact that it happens on throttle tip in and then also on decel at low rpms seems like it'd be a timing chain thing maybe possibly the tensioner not getting old pressure or something or just not functioning correctly.

[stillen]

Well when I disconnect the NVCS solenoid the rattle goes but I lose a lot of torque. My next mission is to bleed the lifters and replace the timing chain tensioner. I don't hear it as much in the higher RPM range, but I hear it for sure at 4000rpm when I let go of the gas.

The motor was looked at 2 sr20 mechanics one of them in PA and one in NY and we can't figure it out. According to one in PA and I trust him he looked at it and said the head doesn't need to be reshimmed and he said it is not the lifters. But I want to bleed them to make sure that it is not the lifters.

And the bearings are brand new, the oil pump is also brand new. Timing chain kit is not new.

Thanks for your input I really appreciate it.

[lazy240]

hey it sounds like my quad

[MangoDorifto]

It's the notorious S14 SR20DET VVT cam sprocket rattle. Very common in S14 SR20DET's. My motor makes the same exact noise. Sounds like a Mercedes-Benz Diesel? It's making that noise because the intake cam sprocket is advancing and retarding itself between 1,500 to 5,000 rpm.

You've already answered your own question, you said when the solenoid is disconnected, the sound goes away but you lose low end torque. Which is exactly what's suppose to happen.

With everything still connected, rattle and all.. Push in the clutch, pop it into first gear and blip the throttle, noise go away? If so, it's your VVT sprocket. Theres not much info on here about the rattle but if you do some research over on sxoc.com you'll find all your answers. VERY commmon s14 sr20det problem.

Nissan Part # 13025-65f00 is for the s15 VVT sprocket, if you want to replace it but it's spendy and not a for sure fix, it'll fix it but the noise MIGHT come back later. Only real fix is to eliminate the VVT sprocket all together with either adjustable cam gear or s13 sr20det sprocket, i've heard the sr20de sprocket should work too.

[eek]

have the same noise/issue. For me, it only happens when i 1st start the car and rev it (as in if i'm trying to drive the car or reverse it) After that, its dead silent. So if you replace the vvt sprocket w/ a adjustable cam gear you will loose the vvt rite? And from what i remember u have to use a s13 cam bolt or use a s13 intake cam if you change out the cam sprocket.

[hellaflush]

same here

another noisey s14 sr

im going to try and sell the motor to some douchebag before i get pissed at it and blow shit up on limiter

that or maybe pull it out and strip it down for a factory rebuild - just new seals, timing chain, lifters, minor head work, valves and springs)

i dont see a need to touch the bottom end apart from bearings and o-rings (pending the pistons/rods are cool)

[fliprayzin240sx]

^^^Hence the reason most people ditch the VVT. If your worried about the power lost without the VVT, then throw in some aggressive ass S13 cams and you should be golden. My buddys S15 did this shiet intermittently. He pulled the S15 VVT and threw in some Tomei Poncams he had on his S13 and fixed the problem.

Is the timing chain guide still there?

[The Chad]

No SR20 here, but my KA had a phantom rattle under the valve cover and it was a bad timing chain guide (took it off), abt a year later i got another rattle in the same spot, it was the Timing Chain Tensioner that was bad. Bought a timing rebuild "kit" and was good to go. I don't know if this relates to your SR20 but i fig i'd try and help. Good luck!!

[sean350z]

have the same noise/issue. For me, it only happens when i 1st start the car and rev it (as in if i'm trying to drive the car or reverse it) After that, its dead silent. So if you replace the vvt sprocket w/ a adjustable cam gear you will loose the vvt rite? And from what i remember u have to use a s13 cam bolt or use a s13 intake cam if you change out the cam sprocket.

If it only does it at startup when you first blip the gas it's just the solenoid not the sprocket from what I've seen. I replaced my solenoid b/c I had the same exact problem and it fixed it.

[Koopa Troopa]

Hi Guys, I looked everywhere on the net and on forums trying to figure out this problem. Asked around even with some sr20det experienced mechanics, nobody knows how to fix it. I have an S14 SR20DET. The engine rattles over the valve cover on the intake side only between 1000rpm-2000rpm. Now when the VTC solenoid is disconnected, it doesn't do that sound but driving the car without VTC sux. Anyway this is what we have tried so far:
1.Replaced the cam (didn't work)
2.Replaced the Intake cam sproket (didn't work)
3.Replaced the VTC solenoid (didn't work)
4.Cleaned the oil pan and what ever is at the bottom of the block (didn't work)

Watch the video at this link of the sound:
http://s238.photobucket.com/albums/ff131/stillen7/?action=view&current=Rattle.flv

And mind you this engine was fully rebuilt with new everything. It didn't do that sound until I drove it about 400miles. And I broke it in smoothly, I never reved it above 3000rpm for 2000miles. I hope somebody here knows the solution. PLEASE HELP. By the way the car runs and pulls hard no problem but the sound bothers me.

In all honesty I'd just get rid of the VTC.. It never made a difference for me and if it's fucking up I'd just get rid of it before it creates more problems..

[njd07]

haha i have a similar noise...s14sr aswell. does it when I blip the throttle ...just for like 1/2 sec. I guess its very common after reading everyones comments. I wouldnt worry about it.

[lbsam]

I replaced the vct sprocket and the noise is gone..

[xxchurroxx]

following up....did you ever fix this problem?

just found this on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95qdoK44zQg

exactly how my car sounds right now. i contacted the guy and he said he replaced the VTC sprocket and the noise went away. so that's what i'm gonna be doing here in the next few days.

[ant_s13]

my S13 SR did this sound since i got it rebuilt. few hundred kms into it (like the original poster of this topic) it started rattling under the cover.

had it checked lots of times, had all the timing gear replaced 2-3 times, im already running an upgraded oil pump from a GTi-R Pulsar, tried it with guide in there and guide out, newer timing gear, etc STILL Does it.

ive given up really, cant get rid of it!

[smelly240]

i have a similar noise as well... anyone know? i have a s13 sr (perhaps my tensioner is toast - ill pull it out in a few hours - things only a few years old :-/


car runs perfectly normal - ill go out and pull the valve cover and see whats goin on.

[red240]

Mine does it on start up!

[smelly240]

wow - my chain def grazes the valve cover... (i havent had the top guide in a long time) I dunno if thats my noise tho... I'm gonna pull the tensioner and have a look at it.

[MangoDorifto]

Mine sounded worse than the video posted up above. I purchased the car with the notorious rattle. PO said he had a professional inspect it and was told a complete timing job would cure it. Thought before I tear into the motor to do a timing job, I'd try my luck at replacing the VVT sprocket... I'll let the pics speak for themselves.. :keke:

http://www.tmobilepictures.com/photos/photo32/34/4c/d9384c697f34.jpg
http://www.tmobilepictures.com/photos/photo35/df/6a/a5c612588a51.jpg
http://www.tmobilepictures.com/photos/photo31/4f/01/1dfd9c523705.jpg
http://www.tmobilepictures.com/photos/photo34/f0/2b/f8d3a24548f2.jpg

[Mattlanta]

This is bittersweet.

I have an S14 SR with the EXACT same noise, and it only happens on startup. As soon as I pull away, the noise is gone and won't come back until I shut the car down for at least a few minutes and start it back up. After reading all the comments on here, I do also notice some of the same noise on decel, if the conditions are just right; medium-heavy decel load, usually 3rd or 4th gear.

Car runs strong though, but it was making me crazy not knowing what this mystery noise is. I hate that everyone has to deal with this, but I'm glad you all shared your experience cause now I know what I need to do to make it go away!!!

One question... should I do the sproket first, then the solonoid, or the other way around, or both at one??? I'm not sure what's involved.

Thanks!

[lflkajfj12123]

sounds like timing chain rattle had it on my s14

[MangoDorifto]

This is bittersweet.

I have an S14 SR with the EXACT same noise, and it only happens on startup. As soon as I pull away, the noise is gone and won't come back until I shut the car down for at least a few minutes and start it back up. After reading all the comments on here, I do also notice some of the same noise on decel, if the conditions are just right; medium-heavy decel load, usually 3rd or 4th gear.

Car runs strong though, but it was making me crazy not knowing what this mystery noise is. I hate that everyone has to deal with this, but I'm glad you all shared your experience cause now I know what I need to do to make it go away!!!

One question... should I do the sproket first, then the solonoid, or the other way around, or both at one??? I'm not sure what's involved.

Thanks!

Yup, thats how it starts. Then it'll get progressively worse. It goes from what you described to being constant rattling no matter what you do.

Just change the sprocket, I really don't think theres a need for both. The sprocket is supposed to be a sealed unit but the only thing holding mine together was the large bolt and washer. The second I loosened that bolt and backed it out, the whole assembly exploded into multiple peices and fall apart in my hands. I playyed with the gears inside and you can see the wear and tear from the rattling.

[xxchurroxx]

Yup, thats how it starts. Then it'll get progressively worse. It goes from what you described to being constant rattling no matter what you do.

Just change the sprocket, I really don't think theres a need for both. The sprocket is supposed to be a sealed unit but the only thing holding mine together was the large bolt and washer. The second I loosened that bolt and backed it out, the whole assembly exploded into multiple peices and fall apart in my hands. I playyed with the gears inside and you can see the wear and tear from the rattling.

wooo. i'm so glad to hear that. and thanks for posting the pics.

that rattle gets REALLY bad after a while

just received my sprocket from RHDjapan for a whopping 5 bills almost and waited about a month to get it. so you just reassured me that this should be the definite problem. i had already replaced lifters/tensioner and have been reading posts on how replacing sprocket didn't work for anyone.

i'll post if my attempt is successful!

[wookieballa]

bleed your lifters, it will help a TON!!! might still tick on start-up, but should go away relatively quickly. i also had the same problem, and this made a huge difference.

[singlecamslam]

my oil light stays on for like 2 seconds after start up, is this bad? it doesnt make any noise, runs super smooth, but i just noticed that the light doesnt come off as soon as all the other dummy lights. I'm gonna have an oil pressure gauge installed soon. Car currently hasnt been ran a little over a month, is it safe to start it and go? i dont think thats long enough to cause harm.

[stillen]

If you have the noise I have at the top of this thread, then nothing works. Nobody has come up with the solution. If you are talking about the diesel truck noise like the youtube video, then you just have to replace the camsprocket.

[WoolyS14DET]

If you have the noise I have at the top of this thread, then nothing works. Nobody has come up with the solution. If you are talking about the diesel truck noise like the youtube video, then you just have to replace the camsprocket.


What oil are you using ?? what weight ?? I had a similar issue and i switiched to a thicker oil and it went away !! Im running 10w30 Quakerstate syn.

[Pho Man]

I have the exact same problem with my S14 SR. I had it checked out and one shop told me that it was my lifters. Since hearing that video clip it's the exact same way with my car, right down to the T. If I had someway of posting my video of the problem I'd do it. Two long years and I finially found out what it is!

[Pho Man]

sounds like timing chain rattle had it on my s14


But if it would be the timing chain, it should be rattling all the time.

[stillen]

I run 10w30 shell. I tried 10w40 and it didn't work. I also tried the lucas engine treatment and it didn't work. I don't use synthetic.

[WoolyS14DET]

Hummm !! I think you need a new VTC sprocket !! Mine dosen't make a sound and it came out of an automatic car and it runs great. Im boosting 15 lbs on low boost.

[stillen]

Please read my initial post on this thread. I have changed it with 3 sprockets, 2 came out of cars that don't make the sound. Brand new Timing chain tensioner was placed with no fix, camshafts changed with no fix, VTC solenoid changed with 4 different ones with no fix. Please don't mix up my sound with the one from youtube. The one from youtube that sounds like a diesel truck gets fixed with a new sprocket.

[WoolyS14DET]

Did you replace the lifters ?? And if so did you let them soak in oil and bleed them before you put them in??

[drftmark]

I used to have that problem.

Then I bought HKS non vtc cams.

Fixed everything.

Plus its cheaper than anyone of the VTC parts.

[steve shadows]

It is related to the VTC solenoid. When it is disconnected, there is no sound. We changed that, we also changed the cam and we also changed the sprocket, all taken from an engine that doesn't make that sound. All that didn't correct it.

What ecu do you have?

It sounds like VTC is kicking over way way too early.


DO you have the proper ecu? Is it re-tuned, stock, if it's stock is it exactly right for your motor?

Sounds like the settings for VTC kick over are way too early ( you can control the kick over point with ems like power fc and haltech)

[tr_racing]

What ecu do you have?

It sounds like VTC is kicking over way way too early.


DO you have the proper ecu? Is it re-tuned, stock, if it's stock is it exactly right for your motor?

Sounds like the settings for VTC kick over are way too early ( you can control the kick over point with ems like power fc and haltech)

I have this probleme with a S15 SR20 (new cams, spring, retainer, HG) & just put a Power FC D-Jetro.

So it's just the setting of the VTC?

Kevin..

[stillen]

No the VTC kicks in the right time as in the silvia repair manual for s14 sr20det which is 1050rpm. I am using stock ECU. We have tried 2 different ECU's and no difference.

[fliprayzin240sx]

Just get rid of it...problem solved...

[WoolyS14DET]

Did you replace the lifters ?? And if so did you let them soak in oil and bleed them before you put them in??

???? Well any answer for this ????

[Erjay1]

The youtube video and and OP's video both have the same problem. Only difference is where the youtube video is probably the worst that the VTC sound can get and the OP's is still only at low rpm's. Same sound, same problem. My car does the same thing when you give it gas, sounds exactly like the OP's video. Just remove the VTC. Get adjustable cam gears. Good excuse to swap out for some better cams too.

[270R]

has anyone heard on nismo adjustible cam sprockets for the s14 sr? cuz this dude at cerritos nissan says he can get me some. he says they retain the vtc funtion and there adjustible. BUT hes just a parts dude.. any second opinions?

[WoolyS14DET]

has anyone heard on nismo adjustible cam sprockets for the s14 sr? cuz this dude at cerritos nissan says he can get me some. he says they retain the vtc funtion and there adjustible. BUT hes just a parts dude.. any second opinions?



Nismo does not make adjustable cam gears !!! You don't need and adjustable cam gear for the intake cam -----hence the VVL/VTC function. You would only want and adjustable cam gear on the exhaust side and would want to advance it about 2-3 deg depending on what cams your using to help promote the "scavenging" effect. The guy at cerritos nissan is a "DONKY" !!!:loco:

[270R]

Nismo does not make adjustable cam gears !!! You don't need and adjustable cam gear for the intake cam -----hence the VVL/VTC function. You would only want and adjustable cam gear on the exhaust side and would want to advance it about 2-3 deg depending on what cams your using to help promote the "scavenging" effect. The guy at cerritos nissan is a "DONKY" !!!:loco:

hey thanks... the guy really is a donky lol....

[duffi]

hello people, i allso have vvt rattle on my s14
i am little lasy to act, but before of buying of new or used sprocket, i am curious does someone, somewhere tried to repair vtc sprocket
not to weld it, not to dig it... to make it work

what is cause of rattle sound at all?

i know that alfa, and some other car manufacturers have repair kits for their sprockets
does the nissan have something simillar?

there must be some cheaper DIY solution, because this is common problem of all sr20det owners all over the world

[cIutchkick]

i just order my cam sprocket from frsport. let's hope that fixes mine

[RYAN_S-14]

It sounds to me like timing chain rattle, pull the valve cover and see if the upper chain guide or valve cover is warn. I dont dought it could be the VTC but id try free simple fixes first ti eliminate possible problems

[deukalionS14]

mine does the same. i woudlnt even worry about it. its just the vtc engaging and disengaging. ( or so i've been told) no performance loss at all. when i rebuilt my motor i changed out eveything and it still makes the sound. just dont stress it

[project_2fizzle]

add me to the list mine is minor rite now i guess i caught it in the early stages im going to keep researching thanks for all the info included in this post