Ticking or marble sound

[hefcat]

After I finished up changing my oil on my 96 240sx I noticed a marble sound almost a tick but not quite. It could have been there all along for all I know.

Anyone out there have an idea what this is?

Thanks.

[Phlip]

How about some more information?
Where is it coming from?
I promise this would be a lot easier to diagnose with more information.

[frosty_the_iceman]

Hi. From what I know:

The "marble in a tin can" sound comes from the timing chain hitting the upper timing chain guide (at the very front of the engine). There is actually a service bulletin from Nissan for the Altimas w/ KA24DE's about removing the upper guide, as it is not necessary for proper engine operation.

Sorry for the N*CO link: http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=105618
This tells you how to remove the upper guide in a RWD KA. It's even written for an S14.

It could also be hitting the guide because the timing chain tensioner is gummed up. I had the marble sound, then I used an engine cleaner and changed my oil and it went away. I used "GUNK" engine cleaner because it was readily available, but I plan on Seafoam next time.

Not sure exactly why changing your oil would cause the noise to become apparent all of sudden. Perhaps it was there before but wasn't noticeable due to other engine noise? I know my KA is quieter after an oil change.

Anyway, don't take my word for it, but I hope this helps and good luck!

[hefcat]

I uploaded a video on youtube of this noise. But from the sounds of it I think it is coming from the top? of the engine maybe passenger side. Check the video out I could be wrong.

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GuUPY7rhYO8"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GuUPY7rhYO8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuUPY7rhYO8

[tknbkthrsdy4anfg]

Timing chain guide for sure. Sounds like some of your lifters are rattling too.

[hefcat]

So I can fix the timing chain guide that should be no problem but if some of my lifters are rattling what can I do about that? replace them?

[gunluvS14]

Timing chain guide for sure. Sounds like some of your lifters are rattling too.

hehehe, KA doesn't has lifters :)
Shim over bucket baby

[joshchewuhh]

sounds like and Oldsmobile diesel engine :D
timing chain!!
frsport sells the whole assembly for pretty cheap

[jackjack]

should be the timing chain guide. mine rattles like a mofo. dosent bother me though.

[hefcat]

Do I need to pull out the guide? I mean will it effect any of the timing chain parts if I dont fix it for some time?

[TravisSW]

Lol. No worries at all here man.

I took out my timing chain guides (2) (1 on the top, 1 on the driver side).
It silenced the engine noise quite a bit, but being KA. It will always sound wierd. At least in my experience with KAs and friends KAs.

Top guide is easy, but the driver side guide is a bit more complicated. Requires more removal of parts.

Also, the worse thing that can happen:
Guides break, fall into your engine, ouchies. The guides are pretty hard metal. I still have mine laying in a baggy somewhere just because. :) And there where some nice grooves in them too.

Now to worry about other noises!

[jaja]

has anyone here bought the timing chain kit from frsport? interested in quality, etc.. i think i read somewhere that the ebay ones were missing a marker on the chain or something like that...

thinking about attempting the chain , front seal over the weekend...