Possible Engine Problems

[Fishpaste~]

Hey,

I've just recently imported an R32 GTR from Japan that came with a Power FC. I am yet to take it to a local mechanic for a service/tune/what did i actually buy... but i have noticed that it has a knock/tap when at operating temperature

so: i turn it on, let it idle, sounds "fine" -however nowear near as nice as some of the other 32's i've heard getting around. drove into town to drop something off (aprox 25min drive) no boosting threw light Adelaide traffic occasional set of lights generally upshifting at 3,00rpm from 1st, 2nd then 3rd to 60kmph and then into 5th to cruise... so really light usage. Upon arrival i can hear a knocking/tapping, jump out and pop the bonnet and it's what i would consider to be distubingly loud. The source of the sound seems to be the engine/rocker area. appart from the Power FC, exhaust and suspension the car is stock, there has also been a CAT fitted for compliance, but unsure what (if anything) it replaced. I fill it with BP Ultimate (98 octaine) and it still has the compliance oil... some valvoline semi-sysnth 10-60 (soon to be replaced). true kms of the car are unknowen but we guess somewhere between 70-100k (have logs up to 58,000 + current reading is 9,000)

i am wondering, could this just be the Japanes tune? or is it something more serious? perhaps just timing belt? any help would be appreciated, and i know i should take it to a local/trusted mechanic, but i'd like a) learn as much as i can and b) know what im dealing with before throwing money at problems

just on a side note, the cabin heats up something feirce, is this a usual occurance?

Thanks for your time in advance!! =)

Edit: should have mentioned that it "feels" a bit down on power compared to when i first drove it, but that might just be me getting used to it =P and i'll also try to get a better location of the sound next time im driving it and it happens

Edited June 7, 2007 by Fishpaste~

[Fishpaste~]

Got to have a bit more of a chance to look at the car today

attached is a picture of where the sound is coming from, its a distinct ticking that will increase/decrease with the revs of the engine, present from cold as well, gets louder as the engine gets warmer. May have lost a fraction more power compared to yesterday... somehow =( seems to be requiring more revs to keep crusing along at 60 in 5th than it was yesterday

after searching the boards last night i thought it could just be an oil problem, but now im not sure

any advice on what to check from here or if this is signs of a particular failure would be appreciated

thanks

Edited June 8, 2007 by Fishpaste~

[Fishpaste~]

Just some more information if anyone would be kind eough to help me out... pleaes?!?!

took a recording of the sound, the change in volume is me moving the mic about, so dont factor that in...

any help would be appreciated!! (its going to be a couple of weeks before i can take it to a garage - but not driving it atm)

Thanks in advance =)

[Taxi33]

Poor guy,

I'm sure it won't be nothing too major!

Im suprised non of the tech heads have jumped ontop of this topic

Good luck mate!

I have no real idea just guesses which im sure wouldnt help you.

What year is the gtr?

[Fishpaste~]

its an 1994 V-Spec II, and supplier (friend of a friend) reported it drove well and made no sounds in Japan -im still waiting on any speeding fines

the loss of power mentioned the other night was me having the AC/Demisters on =P (/me slaps himself, soz) but it does seem slightly down on power compared to when i first got it (not a huge amount tho)

also, the cabin is like a toaster, heats up super quick without any assistance from AAC. is this normal for GTRs? other GTR owners able to confirm this?

Thanks

[FOOLBOOST]

Where are u buddy? Ill come have a look, probably just tappets or injectors

[mad082]

there will always be a ticking noise coming from the injectors. that is the sound of them firing. but it may be worth to get someone else to look at it to make sure it isn't a death rattle.

[drf33t]

I would change the oil first. see how that goes.

The heating in the cabin is most likely to be yourself freaking out and sweating!. i had the same problem when i first got my liner! I was paranoid something was wrong! Me being the new oil made the oil pessure gauge read lower than usual. learning this is normal after feeding her proper full synthetic oil.

goodluck

[_x_FiReStOrM_x_]

Firstly mate... whats the oil level like? Make sure its at the full mark on the dipstick.

Secondly, 10w60 oil is a bit too thick. Try a 10w40, or 5w40.. or something around thereabouts.

If you can, take another audio recording of the noise while revving the engine up and down between idle and around 3000rpm.

I think the reason it might feel 'down' on power is that its now running on aussie fuel, as opposed to japanese high octane.

Its possibly an injector noise, maybe again, something to do with the australian fuel? although i'm not quite sure how that'd affect the injectors directly.

Umm.. yeh, try changing the oil and if theres no improvement or change in sound then, i'd probably just ignore it for a while (providing the car seems to run ok, not rough). If its a mechanical problem, the noise will get louder over time, so just keep an eye on things and all should be good.