Timing Belt

[Amdious]

I recently just bought a 95 240SX LE edition. It's been amazing so far, but I've been constantly having a prob with the start up. Every time I start the car straight from a cold start (where it's been resting for like 8+ hrs), the engine seems to chatter for like 2 to 3s.

I've been spending the weekend reading up on this and I've found that there seems to be an issue with the 240sx timing belt that chips away at the guides. I took it to the dealership and after stealing my $$$ they told me that my starter needs to be replaced (500 CAD). I'm very skeptical. Since I've gotten it (last month), i've babied it like nuts! got a new alternator/battery/spark plugs/fuel filter, etc... needless to say, i really don't think it's the starter.

I've been told that all that I need to do is remove the main guide for the timing belt (which is supposedly unnecessary to have in the first place) but i'd like to check with you guys, since I'm just learning bout all this mechanical fun! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

the funny thing is that this only happens on a cold start.

on a completely different note, is it possible to adjust the hydrolic clutch via the cruise controls? My friction point for first gear is like 1 inch deep, which implies that I'm forced to ride the clutch slightly when taking off from stop to start. All my friends complain about it and dub it as a &quot;digital clutch&quot; either on or off... nothing in between.

Thanks alot for the help! It's much appreciated!

[chickenmanq]

I've heard from a friend of mine that toyotas wear out the timing chain guides and that makes a clicketing noise. &nbsp;Please pardon my incomplete thoughts. &nbsp;I just got back from a party, and I might be under slight pyschological effects. &nbsp;Does the chatter go away with the oil pressure light? &nbsp;My KA, no matter how much oil it has, always chatters slightly when it starts after being rested for long periods. &nbsp;I stops immediately when the oil pressure light goes off. &nbsp;It's always done it, and no ill effects have happened, so I've accepted it as part of the car's quirks.

[Amdious]

Nope, no lights at all. &nbsp;It's just that little chatter and then poof, gone. &nbsp;It looks like from the info on 240sx.org that it matches their symptoms perfectly, all except for that it doesn't happen all the time for me. &nbsp;I think you're right about just accepting it as just one of it's quirks since I think that the dealership is full of it, blaming it on the starter.

I wouldn't listen to the dealership on the starter, You said the noise happens for 2-3 seconds after it starts, the starter isn't even engaged then... The chattering is could be from the hydraulic lifters... Just a thought.

[S13Grl]

I hear a clickety noise on my '91 KA, and it's definitely coming from the chain guides. If you listen closely you'll hear it right at the head &nbsp;by the fan. I think and I've had some people tell me it's the guides; I believe it. And I've read about the removal, a safe thing (or so is said).

[Drift Style S14]

I have the same problem, at least i know it happens to even the best of us. j/k anyways at least i have a idea of what it is. how hard would it be to fix? need to look into that.

Since I can't hear the car, unless its already ruled out, it could be from out of spec main or rod bearings. Unlikely since its a 95 and not excessive mileage (most likely), but just one more thing to think about. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

[Amdious]

Thank you very much for all the replies. &nbsp;I'm gonna do some listening tomorrow and check those things out. &nbsp;Thanks especially for telling me where to listen S13Grl, it'll give me a place to start.

And nope, not excessive at all in mileage. &nbsp;Only about ~50000.

Thnx again for the info.

[S13Grl]

You are welcome, glad I could help. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

All KA's make this noise to some degree. Most of it at startup is from dry cams and mechanical lifters. Once oil pressure is up and the lube hits the top of the engine it all quiets down. Just watch the viscosity of your winter oil. Nissan recommends 5W30 in winter. Guide noise never goes away and is most always at the same noise level.

[Amdious]

Thanks importcargarage! i gotta keep that in mind too. &nbsp;It's good to know I'm not the only one with this issue and that it doesn't seem to be that big of an issue. &nbsp;

Thnx again for all your help!