awful grinding engine noise with first start up - Nissan Murano

leighwhit · 11-01-2011, 12:29 PM

there is a terrible loud grinding, metal on metal ? type noise when I start my Murano first thing in the morning. I'm embarrased to start it with people around. Thats how loud and awful it sounds. It lasts seconds and won't do it again if I turn it off and then restart. It runs great doesn't make any noise when running. After the car sits all day while I'm at work it will do the noise again when I go and start it. I took it to a mechanic who told me I need a new engine at the cost of 4500 for a used one.

Its at a different shop getting another opinion. I don't understand how I would need a new engine if its running great. I have 104,00 miles on it.

I did run out of oil one time about a year ago. Got it to the Nissan shop they filed me up and fixed the oil leakage problem but said there was no engine damage.

Any one have any thoughts?

**zebelkhan** · 11-01-2011, 01:59 PM

Is the grinding noise coming from top of the motor or the bottom? What kind of a oil filter are you using? Use OEM which has a good anti drain valve.

nitely · 11-01-2011, 02:51 PM

Your engine is burning some oil now so make sure you check your oil level often and keep it at the high mark all the time.

AScot · 11-01-2011, 03:29 PM

At 104K miles it's a baby, it should last much longer in spite of running out of oil. The Nissan shop said there was no damage and I would believe them over the mechanic who told you, "you need a new engine at the cost of $4500 for a used one". I think he needs the work and profit!

I would go back to the Nissan shop and ask them to listen to the noise. It may mean leaving it there all day as it seems to only make the noise after the oil has had time to drain back to the sump. There are a number of possible sources of noise from your engine like you describe, however with It's history, you must suspect that you may need a new oil pump or associated part, but certainly not a new engine. The newer (more expensive) oil filters retain the oil in them and deliver some oil to the engine that much sooner. Make sure you are using that type of filter as it may help.

**njjoe** · 11-01-2011, 03:29 PM

l-

When did the grinding noise start? Was it soon after the engine ran out of oil or just recently?

What was the source of the oil leak a year ago?

What type oil and filter are you currently using?

-njjoe

nipsirc · 11-01-2011, 04:43 PM

Either the fan belts or maybe your timing chain is screwed

Read up on this. Timing Chain Raplacement?

flynfirefighter · 02-01-2012, 07:28 PM

My wife owns a 2003 Murano.. and it is her daily driver ...it has done this for a few months now.. but never when I tried, but I hardly ever drive it...
So freind who is a semi retired mechanic said he tore down a 3.5 looking for a major problem.. and found nothing..
By chance he found a loose baffle plate INSIDE the intake manifold.. not sure how... but he tightened it.. and no more noise..
Myself I'm looking for an exploded view of this mainfold so I can repair hers..

Hope this is the problem... if anyone finds it to be true.. please send along some advice and pointers..!!!

Good Luck..

PS... can anyone send me an exploded view..?

Pilgrim · 02-01-2012, 08:05 PM

If you ran it out of oil, you may have permanently damaged it. You can't tell unless it fails or gives you clear signals - which the noise may be. If it's not burning much oil, chances are that it's not in imminent danger...but you need to get that noise diagnosed, which we cannot do. Get to an independent shop and have them track it down.

And get ready for an engine rebuild or replacement. Engines that run out of oil frequently either die immediately or have a very short service life afterward.

**Eric L.** · 02-09-2012, 09:18 AM

Assuming its not the bowels of the engine grinding themselves to death, I'd pin the noise on a bad starter. It has never happened on my Murano, but on my old Maxima the grease in my starter had reduced to dust and the solenoid would basically fail to disengage the starter even after the engine has started and the key position on ON - it would make a grinding/whooshing sound for a second or two before momentum disengaged the starter gear.

I ended up replacing the starter, which was a pretty fun procedure.

**njjoe** · 02-09-2012, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flynfirefighter

My wife owns a 2003 Murano.. and it is her daily driver ...it has done this for a few months now.. but never when I tried, but I hardly ever drive it...
So freind who is a semi retired mechanic said he tore down a 3.5 looking for a major problem.. and found nothing..
By chance he found a loose baffle plate INSIDE the intake manifold.. not sure how... but he tightened it.. and no more noise..
Myself I'm looking for an exploded view of this mainfold so I can repair hers..

Hope this is the problem... if anyone finds it to be true.. please send along some advice and pointers..!!!

Good Luck..

PS... can anyone send me an exploded view..?

I believe you are referring to the power valve.

Below are a few excerpts from the Service Manual that may be helpful:

-njjoe

Vins · 02-11-2012, 12:59 PM

Check power steering fluid. When level is low sound is horrible at first start.

flynfirefighter · 03-30-2012, 11:39 AM

Thanks for your help, but this power valve.. do I just tighten it... replace the unit, or is it a controller problem

Halwg · 03-30-2012, 01:23 PM

That power valve definitely looks like it could be the culprit! Have it replaced and see what that does.

11-01-2011, 12:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
leighwhit Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 1	awful grinding engine noise with first start up there is a terrible loud grinding, metal on metal ? type noise when I start my Murano first thing in the morning. I'm embarrased to start it with people around. Thats how loud and awful it sounds. It lasts seconds and won't do it again if I turn it off and then restart. It runs great doesn't make any noise when running. After the car sits all day while I'm at work it will do the noise again when I go and start it. I took it to a mechanic who told me I need a new engine at the cost of 4500 for a used one. Its at a different shop getting another opinion. I don't understand how I would need a new engine if its running great. I have 104,00 miles on it. I did run out of oil one time about a year ago. Got it to the Nissan shop they filed me up and fixed the oil leakage problem but said there was no engine damage. Any one have any thoughts?

11-01-2011, 01:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
zebelkhan Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Morgan Hill, Ca Posts: 6,041	Is the grinding noise coming from top of the motor or the bottom? What kind of a oil filter are you using? Use OEM which has a good anti drain valve. __________________ 2004 SL AWD - Super Black - Leather Package (Café latte) - Tow Package - Floor Mats - Splash Guards - Cargo Area Protector - Rear Bumper Protector - Front Window Tint - Dawn Color Matched Body Side Molding – Day Time Running Lights - PAC-NIS1 Aux Audio input - Pressure Pro TPMS and Anti Theft Sensor Locks - 7" Xenarc VGA Touchscreen - Compaq EVO e-PC 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 Carputer with 120GB HD, DSATX PSU / Shutdown Controller, Road Runner Front End, iGuidance 3.0 Navigation, DVD player, Internet access, XM satellite radio, Deluo GPS receiver, Linksys WiFi Antenna, TERK XM antenna - Tweeter 22uF CAP mod - Magnetbra - Custom Backup Camera - Aries Polished Stainless Steel Sidestep (nerf) Bars - Euro-Tech Nudge Bar - Homemade Lower Grill Cover - Auxiliary Projection Fog Lamps - Aluminum Fuel Tank Shields - Wade Window Deflectors - Nissan Sunroof Deflector - Scosche UBRH Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit

11-01-2011, 03:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
njjoe Super Moderator Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Jersey Shore (not THAT Jersey Shore, the real one) Posts: 11,740	l- When did the grinding noise start? Was it soon after the engine ran out of oil or just recently? What was the source of the oil leak a year ago? What type oil and filter are you currently using? -njjoe __________________ 2005 SL AWD, Platinum -OEM HID conversion & HID fogs -OEM iPod interface -Upgraded (non-Bose) speakers - Pioneer TS-A1702C & TS-G1643R -Muth signal mirrors -Valley Industries hitch and wiring harness -Aluminum fuel tank shields

02-01-2012, 07:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
flynfirefighter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 2	Start up noise.. My wife owns a 2003 Murano.. and it is her daily driver ...it has done this for a few months now.. but never when I tried, but I hardly ever drive it... So freind who is a semi retired mechanic said he tore down a 3.5 looking for a major problem.. and found nothing.. By chance he found a loose baffle plate INSIDE the intake manifold.. not sure how... but he tightened it.. and no more noise.. Myself I'm looking for an exploded view of this mainfold so I can repair hers.. Hope this is the problem... if anyone finds it to be true.. please send along some advice and pointers..!!! Good Luck.. PS... can anyone send me an exploded view..?

02-01-2012, 08:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
Pilgrim Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 2,024	If you ran it out of oil, you may have permanently damaged it. You can't tell unless it fails or gives you clear signals - which the noise may be. If it's not burning much oil, chances are that it's not in imminent danger...but you need to get that noise diagnosed, which we cannot do. Get to an independent shop and have them track it down. And get ready for an engine rebuild or replacement. Engines that run out of oil frequently either die immediately or have a very short service life afterward. __________________ 2007 Murano 1983 280ZX Turbo 1994 BMW 325i

11-01-2011, 02:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
nitely Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,415	Your engine is burning some oil now so make sure you check your oil level often and keep it at the high mark all the time.

11-01-2011, 03:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
AScot Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada. Posts: 16	At 104K miles it's a baby, it should last much longer in spite of running out of oil. The Nissan shop said there was no damage and I would believe them over the mechanic who told you, "you need a new engine at the cost of $4500 for a used one". I think he needs the work and profit! I would go back to the Nissan shop and ask them to listen to the noise. It may mean leaving it there all day as it seems to only make the noise after the oil has had time to drain back to the sump. There are a number of possible sources of noise from your engine like you describe, however with It's history, you must suspect that you may need a new oil pump or associated part, but certainly not a new engine. The newer (more expensive) oil filters retain the oil in them and deliver some oil to the engine that much sooner. Make sure you are using that type of filter as it may help.

11-01-2011, 04:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
nipsirc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto ON Canada Posts: 288	Either the fan belts or maybe your timing chain is screwed Read up on this. Timing Chain Raplacement?

02-09-2012, 09:18 AM	#9 (permalink)
Eric L. Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 8,199	Assuming its not the bowels of the engine grinding themselves to death, I'd pin the noise on a bad starter. It has never happened on my Murano, but on my old Maxima the grease in my starter had reduced to dust and the solenoid would basically fail to disengage the starter even after the engine has started and the key position on ON - it would make a grinding/whooshing sound for a second or two before momentum disengaged the starter gear. I ended up replacing the starter, which was a pretty fun procedure. __________________ 2003 Midnight Blue SE AWD w/VDC Colgan Bra, Mobil One, JWT POP charger PAC aux input adapter, hardwired Escort Passport x50, KUDA mount for MP3 player, Porterfield R4S brake pads (now Akebono ProACT), ATE Superblue Yokohama Envigor (much improved over stock Goodyears) Lots of squeaks and rattles.

02-11-2012, 12:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
Vins Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 6	Check power steering fluid. When level is low sound is horrible at first start.

03-30-2012, 11:39 AM	#12 (permalink)
flynfirefighter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 2	murano power valve noise.. Thanks for your help, but this power valve.. do I just tighten it... replace the unit, or is it a controller problem

03-30-2012, 01:23 PM	#13 (permalink)
Halwg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 599	That power valve definitely looks like it could be the culprit! Have it replaced and see what that does. __________________ 2012 SL AWD Tinted Bronze

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