I have a 2007 d40 Stx Spanish. Vsk. 118,000kms. Manual.
I will share some decoy rattles in my experience.
I did notice some rattle at one stage and it was the air intake pipe that comes out of the air box. Put your finger on it and sooo quiet. A freind of mine did the same thing the other day so I quickly rapped a zip tie around it and something magic happened.
Belts and that alternator pulley are also common culprits for some strange noises. A quick spray of any liquid shuts belts up temporarily, especially when cold, hinting they may need adjustment or replacement.
After washing my engine bay(which I would probably not do again with high pressure) the alt pulley started squeaking. Obviously I had pressured water into the clutch. Replaced clutch pulley and all good. This was my fault. Next time I will rap that area with plastic bag if I have to do it again.
Another common problem is those Nissan engine covers which can vibrate. I personally remove them so I can see at a glance what is brewing under neath during my monthly inspections.. Put your hand over the rear engine cover to stop vibration to see if your is the culprit..
At about 100,000kms when I was really bored, loss of license, I decided to open up the timing chain covers and inspect upper and lower chains. Quite a fun job. Upon inspection, the internals were immaculate. No build up. No egr block at this stage. There was minor oil film in cooler which I cleaned but nothing major.
- i measured the upper and lower chain tensioner for piston exposed length. I called Nissan and shared results with head mechanic who said its fine and within specs. The upper had literally zero stretch. It is a double. The lower has very minor as to be expected stretch. Piston was only slightly out. You can see upon inspection where once chain stretched beyond service life it would hit and make a "noise". Metal chain to aluminium scraping. If you notice this very obvious loud rattle and keep driving you are gambling. Speaking to ARB and Nissan head mechanic, he insisted they don't touch these chains unless rattle noise develops hinting stretched chain.
- All My chain guides were inspected and/or removed and have zero wear in them giving me more confidence. They actually looked new.
- Measuring the lower chain between the links did show some very minor stretch.
I have never used genuine oil filters or genuine oil. I have always used nylon fully synthetic 5w-30 diesel formula long life engine oil. API rating of SN. I was always taught the most important thing to note with oils is the API rating and always use the same oil. Ie. Don't change brands every service. Miixing oils can cause problems especially from a fully synthetic to a semi or mineral. I use Various different types of oil filers. Never paid attention to them. I most probably start buying originals. Thanks guys..
Car is stored 99% in garage so no frost. I'm in Melb and it gets very cold and frosty in winter.
Warm up car in morning for a couple of mins especially in winter. No cold take off unless of course you have to. I drive like an old lady most times especially when cold engine. It really annoys some of my less patient passengers. When away and I have to park outside I will warm up for around 5 mins minimum.. It hurts to see people Revving their engine cold. This can and will cause excessive wear and tear.
Now I'm not defending these chains as they should be better. However I believe there are things you could do to minimise your exposure. Cold starts is just a theory of mine.
Next timing chain inspection for me will be around 150,000 kms. This time I will try and do with a snake camera and only remove upper cover. Much easier if that's possible.
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