Lots of Issues

[syrupninja]

So, I've got a 92 Fastback with just over 120k on the odo.

I've been suffering from the dreaded engine tapping, so about 3 months ago I removed the upper timing chain guide, to no avail. At the same time I changed the oil and filled it up with 20w-50, this being Texas, and the teperatures being high. Also on recommendation from my cousin, a mechanic, who said it would solve my noisy lifter issue, which I thought I had at the time.

Anyway the noise was still there, so last weekend, I pulled off the lower upper timing chain guide, still tapping. At the same time I yanked the y pipe and resonator box, and changed her out with 10W-30 since it's cooling off, and added some oil detergent. For the first day or two, there was what smelled like steam and small drops of water coming out of the tailpipe. That all went away, so I assumed it was the engine getting used to the new thinner oil.

So anyway, the noise is still there, louder than before, which I also assume is due to the new oil. Now it's doing it faintly at idle, and starts anywhere from 1-2k and continues through the rpm range. It's much louder out of gear freely revving than when driving, and nonexistent under regular accelleration. Also it's idling a lot rougher than before, anywhere from 700-1.3k, before it was like a rock at 700.

So I'm leaning towards this being the result of my valve clearance being too high. Before I tackle that job, any other suggestions as to what to check/try? And how difficult/time consuming would the repairs be, I have a max of 2 days downtime, due to work, and not enough money to put it in the shop until I get my tax return.

Also, I think my CV boots are blown, because there's grease/oil caked all over the underside of my engine and suspension, but it actually forms drops on the oil pan, so would that likely be the oil pan gasket?

So yes, input would be greatly appreciated.

[adey]

First two things I'd check are battery/grounds, and also your MAFS. Clean out the mafs and clean as many ground contacts as you can find... that should probably help idle, if it doesn't, I really couldn't tell you what it is...

I wouldn't worry too much about the tapping, I've had it since I bought the car, put ~ 7k miles on it since, with no problems. Unless your tapping is caused by a different reason than mine, I don't think it's serious.

As for oil -- it's most likely from the drain plug. Just make sure you put in a new nissan crush washer each time you change your oil and you should see this problem slowly go away or get better at least. Oil pan gasket shouldn't be leaking unless it's been taken off in the past and reinstalled incorrectly. Generally the caked oil on the underbody isn't a big deal -- I get it from both my oil drain plug, my tranny vent and my diff vent. Literally the whole undercarriage of my car from bumper to bumper has oil and grime splattered all over it. :) Nothing to worry about!


edit:
the cake/grime is unlikely from your CV boots, although it doesn't hurt to check those while you're under there. More likely than not, if the CV boots haven't been changed, they will not be in the best condition and may require a change if they're torn or otherwise damaged.