The Nissan Path

jlwardn · Joined: 20 Dec 2010 Posts: 58 Location: West Michigan

I just bought a 2005 with 98,000 miles on it. When I accelerate I normally I get a noise that kind of sounds like a (quiet) diesel engine. It is cold here in Michigan so I can't verify if it does it when it is warm. I am not accelerating hard. It happens under normal acceleration. I am coming from a 2002 with the 3.5L engine and with 130,000 miles it still sounds like it is brand new. I have been around many of these 4.0L engines when they are new and they do not have this diesel sound. I just bought this Patfhinder and it has a New Transmission and Radiator Bypass. I took it to the dealer for inspection before buying it and all they told me was I will need spark plugs at 105K and they recommended a throttle body cleaning. They also did a recall that just came out....I think ECM something.
Any thoughts on the noise???

disallow

coom1986 · Joined: 08 Aug 2008 Posts: 194

By diesel engine do you mean your hearing a rough engine while generally moving or are you hearing a whine like sound??

Npath · Joined: 21 May 2008 Posts: 341 Location: Vancouver, Canada

eieio · Joined: 17 Jul 2009 Posts: 911 Location: Prescott, Az.

eieio · Joined: 17 Jul 2009 Posts: 911 Location: Prescott, Az.

this may be related........

Service Bulletin #:
NTB05-015b
-REVISED-
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER, FRONTIER; RATTLE NOISE FROM VIAS POWER VALVE ACTUATOR / INTAKE MANIFOLD COLLECTOR
There is a rattle noise coming from the Variable Induction Air Control System (VIAS) Power Valve Actuator /
Intake Manifold Collector at engine speeds around 2,200 RPM.
_________________
05 SE OFF-ROAD 4WD
& 05 SE

"I plan ahead. That way, I don't have to do anything right now!"

Spamcan · Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 119 Location: Poulsbo, WA

Maybe a loose exhaust shroud/heat shield? I don't know if on Pathy's they tend to get loose, but I've had other vehicles that the shrouds loosen up and vibrate and they kinda sound like a diesel...
_________________
GONE - 2005 Pathfinder SE 4x4 Storm Gray (bed-lined front and rear bumpers, Air-Lift rear suspension kit)
2008 Xterra SE Off-Road 4x4 Black (front brush guard)
2009 Toyota Tundra 4x4 Silver
2009 Suzuki C50SE Dk/Lt Grey (well customized)
1983 Honda Goldwing GL1100 (in parts being rebuilt)

jlwardn · Joined: 20 Dec 2010 Posts: 58 Location: West Michigan

This is not the throaty sound upon a heavier footed acceleration. It is under normal load and driving easy. I did some searches and some people have said it could be the octane gas used. I just bought it and asked the previous owner what he used. He only used 87 octane. I myself used 92 or 93 in my 2002 Pathfinder and felt it gave me better gas mileage but after reading all of the posts on this site I was not sure if I needed to do it for this 2005.
The noise does not really sound like any rattle from any heat shield or anything like that. I was really comparing it to a diesel engine truck.....just much quieter sounding. I have not had it long enough to run higher octane fuel through it and see if that helps. Would that be why the dealer suggested cleaning the throttle body or were they just looking for free money?

eieio · Joined: 17 Jul 2009 Posts: 911 Location: Prescott, Az.

jlwardn · Joined: 20 Dec 2010 Posts: 58 Location: West Michigan

It seems very consistant at all rpm ranges and changing of gears when accelerating from a stop.

bbermann · Joined: 11 Feb 2008 Posts: 96 Location: Illinois

Perhaps you could try some Seafoam?
http://www.thenissanpath.com/viewtopic.php?t=1980&highlight=seafoam
_________________
2006 SE 4X4 Gray, Airaid CAI, Magnaflow Exhaust, 2* Timing Advance, AirLift, Yakima, P275/70R16 Dueler A/T Revo, more...

grm3 · Joined: 30 Dec 2010 Posts: 1

When you say it sounds like a diesel, do you mean a roar? I had a problem with my fan clutch that caused the radiator fan to always spin at full speed. It was loud - actually louder than the actual engine noise. When driving through my neighborhood or taking off from a stop, it would sound like a garbage truck going down the street.
Replaced fan clutch and problem solved.

http://x.nissanhelp.com/forums/pathfinder/15831-excessive-fan-noise.html

disallow · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 10:48 am Post subject:

jlwardn · Joined: 20 Dec 2010 Posts: 58 Location: West Michigan

The best description of the noise is if you were to make and engine accelerating noise with your mouth by humming....now do it with water in your mount......kind of gargling/humming noise.....much like how a diesel truck sounds....just much much quieter. It I give it more throttle I get the deep growling sound which I know is normal. I have found a few other threads on different forums and some people talk about the different octane fuel making that kind of noise and other people talk about oil pressure and lifter noise. I am not too concerned but I thought if I could do a little maintenance or change something and make it better.....I would do it.

fat_frog · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 85 Location: 19320

You mean like this thread? I have it, too....since day 1. I'm planning to take it in in the near future...to see what they say...

http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f8/truck-going-piston-slap-under-powertrain-66513/
_________________
'09 Pathfinder SE 4x4 Silver Lightning (ex-'01 Xterra XE 4x4 Salsa)