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2002 Nissan Altima

Question: Head Gasket OR Heat Shield?

Question

123BillMe, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, Brocton, NY, March 21, 2009, 07:22
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 Enthusiast

201,000 miles. Noticing engine (ticking/tapping) noise but not sure how to describe it. The noise is most noticeable at cruising speed of 75 mph. Thought I also noticed a cloud of smoke when I accelerated to pass a car at this speed too but not sure. The car seems to have lost some acceleration at about 45 mph when I pass cars. Some one suggested it could be a head gasket seal needs replacing but how do I know what to tell a shop? I always feel like they take me for more then is needed. It seems that the car is going through some oil too but I don't see any oil marks on the driveway or any where else I park. When the oil gets low the car is louder as if their is rattling under the car (like a heat shield?) The noise subsides when oil is added. The car also seems to smell hot after driving but the guage in the car says all is fine. Any ideas on what I should suggest to a repair shop when I call and they ask me "why I'm bring it in"?

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  • Answer #1

    rondhol April 21, 2009, 09:21
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     Rookie

    Change your Pre-catalytic (exhaust manifold) converter ASAP. See: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/Altima/2002/

    Altima has solid valve lifter (not hydraulic), It lasts longer but noisy (light diesel
    noise).

    So many Altima 2002 owners got a high oil consumption caused by Pre-cat material digested into the engine ; scoring the cylinder wall and piston rings. If your oil consumption is more than 1 quarts every 1k miles, you need new engine. All other repair are useless cause you have to change all pistons, and bore all the cylinders, new valve, new bearing, new head gasket, etc. Buy a new engine is a lot cheaper and you will have much lower mileage on the engine. Nissan transmission is stronger than Honda, Toyota, or any car makers.

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