Help 2009 G37 engine ticking at idle
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2009 G37 engine ticking at idle
Hey everyone,
I'm hoping to get some help or advice on my 2009 G37 Sedan. I have 218,000 miles. It's been serviced regularly at the Infiniti dealership.
Around 200,000 I had the 60k service performed; Decarb throttle bodies, fuel injectors cleaned, transmission fluid replaced, and coolant replaced along with oil change.
It was a little after that time I noticed that it began idling with a tick or click similar to that of a diesel.
I asked the dealer once while it was in for service and they suggested using the Nissan Ester oil at $20/qt upcharge. For the record, I always use Mobil 1 EP 5w-30 or Mobil 1 AFE 0w-30.
I know that a slight clicking sound is normal, but it has gotten louder over the past 20k miles. Otherwise, it runs like a champ on my 120-130 mile daily commutes.
It is due for spark plugs, but would that solve the issue? Any other recommendations?
Thank you so much in advance,
John
I'm hoping to get some help or advice on my 2009 G37 Sedan. I have 218,000 miles. It's been serviced regularly at the Infiniti dealership.
Around 200,000 I had the 60k service performed; Decarb throttle bodies, fuel injectors cleaned, transmission fluid replaced, and coolant replaced along with oil change.
It was a little after that time I noticed that it began idling with a tick or click similar to that of a diesel.
I asked the dealer once while it was in for service and they suggested using the Nissan Ester oil at $20/qt upcharge. For the record, I always use Mobil 1 EP 5w-30 or Mobil 1 AFE 0w-30.
I know that a slight clicking sound is normal, but it has gotten louder over the past 20k miles. Otherwise, it runs like a champ on my 120-130 mile daily commutes.
It is due for spark plugs, but would that solve the issue? Any other recommendations?
Thank you so much in advance,
John
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sounds like one or more of your hydraulic lifters may be going out. throw in a bottle of lucas engine treatment and see if it helps. as far as the spark plugs go, that has nothing to do with the ticking sound.
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This should fix it: https://www.z1motorsports.com/engine...sh-p-2476.html
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yes they are in the shape of a round bucket. but do you know how it works internally? its off hydraulic oil pressure from the motor oil. hence the general terminology is hydraulic lifter. it is the terminology that is used by the techs not only in dealer but in independent shops. i dare you to walk into the back of any mechanic shop and ask one of the techs for, "hey can i get one of those round bucket style lifters that go into the intake and exhaust valve". i guarantee u wouldn't like what they are gonna call u when u leave their sight as they laugh their azz 's off.
in addition factory service manuals are typically written by bookworms with no mechanical experience or background so they tend to use terminology to best describe what they visually see the part as.
Last edited by crookncastle; Dec 23, 2015 at 01:27 AM. Reason: spelling
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yes they are in the shape of a round bucket. but do you know how it works internally? its off hydraulic oil pressure from the motor oil. hence the general terminology is hydraulic lifter. it is the terminology that is used by the techs not only in dealer but in independent shops. i dare you to walk into the back of any mechanic shop and ask one of the techs for, "hey can i get one of those round bucket style lifters that go into the intake and exhaust valve". i guarantee u wouldn't like what they are gonna call u when u leave their sight as they laugh their ***'s off.
I can't find and mention of hydraulic lash adjusters (a.k.a. hydraulic lifters) in the FSM, nor do I see anything that looks the part in he diagrams.
EDIT: I just re-read the relevant section of the FSM. You can install lifters (a.k.a buckets) of varying thickness on the exhaust side to adjust lash. If the intake side is out of adjustment, you have to replace the VVEL ladder assembly and cylinder head. Having read this, I kind of wish Nissan had used HLAs.
From the FSM (sorry about the ****ty formatting):
3.
Perform adjustment or replacement if the measured value is out of the standard.
If a valve clearance on the exhaust side is out of specification, adjust the valve clearance. H
If a valve clearance on the intake side is out of specification, replace VVEL ladder assembly and cylin-
: Engine front
No. 5 cylinder at compression TDC
Measuring position [bank 1 (A)]
No. 5 cylinder at compression TDC
Measuring position [bank 2 (B)]
No. 5 cylinder at compression TDC
No. 5 CYL.
× (D) No. 6 CYL.
C
D
No. 1 CYL.
der head assembly. Refer to EM-237, "Exploded View". CAUTION:
Never adjust valve clearance on the intake side. NOTE:
I
× (C)
No. 2 CYL.
No. 3 CYL.
No. 4 CYL.
× (E)
CAMSHAFT (EXH) VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT
Perform adjustment depending on selected head thickness of valve lifter (EXH).
1. Measure the valve clearance. Refer to INSPECTION.
2. Remove VVEL ladder assembly and camshaft (EXH). Refer to EM-238, "Disassembly and Assembly". CAUTION:
Never loosen adjusting bolts and mounting bolts (black color) of VVEL ladder assembly.
3. Remove valve lifter (EXH) at the locations that are out of the standard.
4. Measure the center thickness of the removed valve lifters (EXH) with a micrometer (A).
K
L
M
N
O
P
× (F) E F G
Since the valve lifter (INT) cannot be replaced by the piece, VVEL ladder assembly and cylinder head assembly replacement are required. J
JPBIA0169ZZ
5. Use the equation below to calculate valve lifter (EXH) thickness for replacement.
Valve lifter (EXH) thickness calculation: t = t1 + (C1 C2) t = Valve lifter (EXH) thickness to be replaced
t1 = Removed valve lifter (EXH) thickness
Revision: 2012 August EM-157 2013 G Sedan
JPBIA1336ZZ
EM
CAMSHAFT VALVE CLEARANCE
< BASIC INSPECTION >
C1 = Measured valve clearance
C2 = Standard valve clearance:
Exhaust : 0.33 mm (0.013 in)
Thickness of new valve lifter (EXH) can be identified by stamp marks on the reverse side (inside the cylinder).
Stamp mark 788 indicates 7.88 mm (0.3102 in) in thickness.
A : Stamp
B : Thickness of valve lifter (EXH)
Available thickness of valve lifter (EXH): 27 sizes with range 7.88 to 8.40 mm (0.3102 to 0.3307 in) in steps of 0.02 mm (0.0008 in) (when manufactured at factory). Refer to EM-292, "Camshaft".
6. Install selected valve lifter (EXH).
7. Install VVEL ladder assembly and camshaft (EXH). Refer to EM-238, "Disassembly and Assembly".
8. Manually turn crankshaft pulley a few turns.
9. Check that the valve clearances for cold engine are within the specifications by referring to the specified values. Refer to EM-154, "Inspection and Adjustment".
10. Install all removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
11. Warm up the engine, and check for unusual noise and vibration.
Perform adjustment or replacement if the measured value is out of the standard.
If a valve clearance on the exhaust side is out of specification, adjust the valve clearance. H
If a valve clearance on the intake side is out of specification, replace VVEL ladder assembly and cylin-
: Engine front
No. 5 cylinder at compression TDC
Measuring position [bank 1 (A)]
No. 5 cylinder at compression TDC
Measuring position [bank 2 (B)]
No. 5 cylinder at compression TDC
No. 5 CYL.
× (D) No. 6 CYL.
C
D
No. 1 CYL.
der head assembly. Refer to EM-237, "Exploded View". CAUTION:
Never adjust valve clearance on the intake side. NOTE:
I
× (C)
No. 2 CYL.
No. 3 CYL.
No. 4 CYL.
× (E)
CAMSHAFT (EXH) VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT
Perform adjustment depending on selected head thickness of valve lifter (EXH).
1. Measure the valve clearance. Refer to INSPECTION.
2. Remove VVEL ladder assembly and camshaft (EXH). Refer to EM-238, "Disassembly and Assembly". CAUTION:
Never loosen adjusting bolts and mounting bolts (black color) of VVEL ladder assembly.
3. Remove valve lifter (EXH) at the locations that are out of the standard.
4. Measure the center thickness of the removed valve lifters (EXH) with a micrometer (A).
K
L
M
N
O
P
× (F) E F G
Since the valve lifter (INT) cannot be replaced by the piece, VVEL ladder assembly and cylinder head assembly replacement are required. J
JPBIA0169ZZ
5. Use the equation below to calculate valve lifter (EXH) thickness for replacement.
Valve lifter (EXH) thickness calculation: t = t1 + (C1 C2) t = Valve lifter (EXH) thickness to be replaced
t1 = Removed valve lifter (EXH) thickness
Revision: 2012 August EM-157 2013 G Sedan
JPBIA1336ZZ
EM
CAMSHAFT VALVE CLEARANCE
< BASIC INSPECTION >
C1 = Measured valve clearance
C2 = Standard valve clearance:
Exhaust : 0.33 mm (0.013 in)
Thickness of new valve lifter (EXH) can be identified by stamp marks on the reverse side (inside the cylinder).
Stamp mark 788 indicates 7.88 mm (0.3102 in) in thickness.
A : Stamp
B : Thickness of valve lifter (EXH)
Available thickness of valve lifter (EXH): 27 sizes with range 7.88 to 8.40 mm (0.3102 to 0.3307 in) in steps of 0.02 mm (0.0008 in) (when manufactured at factory). Refer to EM-292, "Camshaft".
6. Install selected valve lifter (EXH).
7. Install VVEL ladder assembly and camshaft (EXH). Refer to EM-238, "Disassembly and Assembly".
8. Manually turn crankshaft pulley a few turns.
9. Check that the valve clearances for cold engine are within the specifications by referring to the specified values. Refer to EM-154, "Inspection and Adjustment".
10. Install all removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
11. Warm up the engine, and check for unusual noise and vibration.
Last edited by Selym; Dec 23, 2015 at 01:42 AM.
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From: Massachusetts, USA
Unless the FSM is completely inaccurate, the VQ37VHR uses solid lifters for both intake and exhaust valves.
I'd love to be proven wrong (even if it means Infiniti techs and indy mechanics calling me names and laughing at me behind my back
). I'd much rather have HLAs that automatically adjust valve clearance, particularly in such a complicated head. What's used in the VR30DETT and VR38DETT?
I'd love to be proven wrong (even if it means Infiniti techs and indy mechanics calling me names and laughing at me behind my back
). I'd much rather have HLAs that automatically adjust valve clearance, particularly in such a complicated head. What's used in the VR30DETT and VR38DETT?
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if you look below i already stated the buckets/hydraulic lifters or whatever widget you wanna call this part can not be re-shimmed on 12-18-15 under the original post titled "Engine Knocking? VVEL Ticking?" under post entry number 24.
i don't disagree that the factory service manual may call this part bucket style lifter, it still does not defeat the fact that the technical terminology used by mechanics/techs is "hydraulic lifters". like i stated prior the fsm is written by bookworm college grads with no technical or mechanical experience, there are times when they call an electrical connector a "bushing" in the fsm or parts catalog. you can call the lifter a "dingleberry" and still would not defeat the purpose of what it does other than its in the shape of a bucket.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Selym
There is much talk of "hydraulic lifters" in this thread. However, I don't think the VQ37VHR employs hydraulic lash adjusters. The FSM shows "bucket"-style lifters on both intake and exhaust, which would require shimming if the valves were out of adjustment.
those hydraulic lifter or lifter buckets you are referring to can only be replaced. you can not shim them. the lifter buckets themselves come in different heights and you are supposed to install the lifter buckets in the head and torque the camshaft onto them and check the clearance with a feeler gauge. excessive clearance would mean you need a higher riding lifter bucket.
i don't disagree that the factory service manual may call this part bucket style lifter, it still does not defeat the fact that the technical terminology used by mechanics/techs is "hydraulic lifters". like i stated prior the fsm is written by bookworm college grads with no technical or mechanical experience, there are times when they call an electrical connector a "bushing" in the fsm or parts catalog. you can call the lifter a "dingleberry" and still would not defeat the purpose of what it does other than its in the shape of a bucket.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Selym
There is much talk of "hydraulic lifters" in this thread. However, I don't think the VQ37VHR employs hydraulic lash adjusters. The FSM shows "bucket"-style lifters on both intake and exhaust, which would require shimming if the valves were out of adjustment.
those hydraulic lifter or lifter buckets you are referring to can only be replaced. you can not shim them. the lifter buckets themselves come in different heights and you are supposed to install the lifter buckets in the head and torque the camshaft onto them and check the clearance with a feeler gauge. excessive clearance would mean you need a higher riding lifter bucket.
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2011 Infiniti G37 Sedan OEM Parts - Infiniti USA eStore
lookup code 13231. that is the lifter you are referring to. it is hydraulic, that is not a solid lifter for engine vq37vhr. the camshaft rides on top of the hydraulic lifter and it pushes on the valve.
and i consider engineers to be the ones' who are capable of translating mathematic equations and calculations into a physical being. engineers are the designers and problem solvers that construct or draft an idea into a physical component, be it a bridge, engine, suspension, firearms, etc etc. they set the standards and limits or what a component can and can not do. totally different than the bookworm that wrote the factory service manual. oh btw the fsm may have been written in japanese first and was then retranslated into english, so now we have to factor in translation issues.
lookup code 13231. that is the lifter you are referring to. it is hydraulic, that is not a solid lifter for engine vq37vhr. the camshaft rides on top of the hydraulic lifter and it pushes on the valve.
and i consider engineers to be the ones' who are capable of translating mathematic equations and calculations into a physical being. engineers are the designers and problem solvers that construct or draft an idea into a physical component, be it a bridge, engine, suspension, firearms, etc etc. they set the standards and limits or what a component can and can not do. totally different than the bookworm that wrote the factory service manual. oh btw the fsm may have been written in japanese first and was then retranslated into english, so now we have to factor in translation issues.
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well ive been around these cars sice the 350z i still own my 03 doingh a turbo build.just sold my g35 monday n got the g37s coupe6mt. my g35 was auto i hated it. my pont is that my g35 coupe made same noise is relitively low but as i speed up the tick beame louder.
the de motors had this timming tension guides that will fail and lead to this ticking or like one said it could be stuck lifter.
i tried seafoam didnt work i tried thicker oil didnt work so i was left with the assumption that it was slack in my timing chain. as insped up i could hear the chain spmacking my timing cover in my g35 auto. i never had this issue in my 350z 6mt but as the years passed this tick was becoming common. i also noted that most cars are the autos that suffer from this hopes this help. as im trying to learn this car now. i miss my g35 if it was stick i would have kept it, but i was lusting these fat nice new coupes from the g family. also i had traded in my g35 copupe for this obsidian black g37 s coupe 2012 6mt loving it. Also my g35 had 211357 when i let it go and it was ticking from 180,oo till i sold it. always used mobile 5 w30 or 1 aswell and ran 0w 30 on nice cali summers.
never look past these vehicle hydralics
the de motors had this timming tension guides that will fail and lead to this ticking or like one said it could be stuck lifter.
i tried seafoam didnt work i tried thicker oil didnt work so i was left with the assumption that it was slack in my timing chain. as insped up i could hear the chain spmacking my timing cover in my g35 auto. i never had this issue in my 350z 6mt but as the years passed this tick was becoming common. i also noted that most cars are the autos that suffer from this hopes this help. as im trying to learn this car now. i miss my g35 if it was stick i would have kept it, but i was lusting these fat nice new coupes from the g family. also i had traded in my g35 copupe for this obsidian black g37 s coupe 2012 6mt loving it. Also my g35 had 211357 when i let it go and it was ticking from 180,oo till i sold it. always used mobile 5 w30 or 1 aswell and ran 0w 30 on nice cali summers.
never look past these vehicle hydralics
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From: Massachusetts, USA
2011 Infiniti G37 Sedan OEM Parts - Infiniti USA eStore
lookup code 13231. that is the lifter you are referring to. it is hydraulic, that is not a solid lifter for engine vq37vhr. the camshaft rides on top of the hydraulic lifter and it pushes on the valve.
and i consider engineers to be the ones' who are capable of translating mathematic equations and calculations into a physical being. engineers are the designers and problem solvers that construct or draft an idea into a physical component, be it a bridge, engine, suspension, firearms, etc etc. they set the standards and limits or what a component can and can not do. totally different than the bookworm that wrote the factory service manual. oh btw the fsm may have been written in japanese first and was then retranslated into english, so now we have to factor in translation issues.
lookup code 13231. that is the lifter you are referring to. it is hydraulic, that is not a solid lifter for engine vq37vhr. the camshaft rides on top of the hydraulic lifter and it pushes on the valve.
and i consider engineers to be the ones' who are capable of translating mathematic equations and calculations into a physical being. engineers are the designers and problem solvers that construct or draft an idea into a physical component, be it a bridge, engine, suspension, firearms, etc etc. they set the standards and limits or what a component can and can not do. totally different than the bookworm that wrote the factory service manual. oh btw the fsm may have been written in japanese first and was then retranslated into english, so now we have to factor in translation issues.
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It's a solid lifter, not hydraulic. Check out this diagram.
the diagram you posted with the link is not for a vq35 or vq37 engine. posting inaccurate information is not helping your lack of knowledge in comprehending engine parts and mechanical operation. the diagram you posted also shows a "hydraulic" bucket style lifter.
the diagram i posted on the link to infiniti factory parts catalog is for the vq37 engine. i don't know how you determine that lifter is "solid". a solid lifter requires mechanical adustment on the rocker arm assembly which rides on the camshaft. no where in the vq37 cylinder head are there any rocker arms or adjustments for the lifters. the lifters in a vq35 and vq37 engines are all hydraulic lifters.
you need to go down to the parts counter whether at the nissan or infiniti dealer and either ask a qualified parts personnel or a service technician which will give you the answer that the lifters are "hydraulic".
Last edited by crookncastle; Jan 1, 2016 at 11:01 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 648
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From: Massachusetts, USA
the diagram you posted with the link is not for a vq35 or vq37 engine. posting inaccurate information is not helping your lack of knowledge in comprehending engine parts and mechanical operation. the diagram you posted also shows a "hydraulic" bucket style lifter.
the diagram i posted on the link to infiniti factory parts catalog is for the vq37 engine. i don't know how you determine that lifter is "solid". a solid lifter requires mechanical adustment on the rocker arm assembly which rides on the camshaft. no where in the vq37 cylinder head are there any rocker arms or adjustments for the lifters. the lifters in a vq35 and vq37 engines are all hydraulic lifters.
you need to go down to the parts counter whether at the nissan or infiniti dealer and either ask a qualified parts personnel or a service technician which will give you the answer that the lifters are "hydraulic".
the diagram i posted on the link to infiniti factory parts catalog is for the vq37 engine. i don't know how you determine that lifter is "solid". a solid lifter requires mechanical adustment on the rocker arm assembly which rides on the camshaft. no where in the vq37 cylinder head are there any rocker arms or adjustments for the lifters. the lifters in a vq35 and vq37 engines are all hydraulic lifters.
you need to go down to the parts counter whether at the nissan or infiniti dealer and either ask a qualified parts personnel or a service technician which will give you the answer that the lifters are "hydraulic".
