Haven't posted in a while because I was trying to trade my Z in after a tire issue - but that's another thread. All better now.

I have a 2006 Base MT with about 15,500 miles on it. It has had a rattling noise when accelerating below 3,000 rpm. Before taking it in for this morning's oil change, there was very rattling. Also, the oil level was down to about a quarter inch above the low line. Now, with the oil topped off, it's rattling. Any ideas? Could oil level have anything to do with this valve tapping noise?

 

This is a wild stab in the dark...Instead of it being valves it could just be a loose shield/panel.
I'm pretty sure when they change the oil there is a shield underneath that has to be removed to get access to the oil filter. It's possible the shield was put back on incorrectly or not tightened properly.
Like I say-just a stab in the dark.

 

That could be it, but I dont think the shield nessisarily has to be removed. I changed my oil Sunday. You can drain the oil no problem without removing anything. The oil filter can also be removed, but oil will leak all over the plastic shield. I used a piece of garbage bag to line the plastic cover and guide it out the hole into the big oil catch pan, pull the plastic out carefully and bam, done. I did get a little oil on the plastic shield, but I wiped it out, there wasnt much. If you ask me, I dont think I'll be taking off the shield when changing the oil, I dont know if a quick lube would either.

 

I had the same prob on my 06Z. It is pinging. Mine did at 2500rpm-3500rpm. I think it is the 91octane that causes it. I filled my tank from empty and filled it w/100 octane and it went away. There might be some timing issue that my need to be looked at or even a valve adjustment.

 

No, the noise has been with the car since new, through several oil changes. The only thing I can think of is when the oil is full, it somehow affects the valves, and when the oil level is near the low mark, it doesn't. One dealer of course cannot hear the noise. Another dealer hooked the car to an electronic monitor and said everything is fine.

 

^^^^^
the last time i had "funny" noises, i was getting towed to the dealership with a blown engine (messed up valve train). But you havn't been running it at the track recently, i assume.
If i were you, i would take it to a decent shop, just make sure you know some background on the mechanic. My mechanic is a 15 year nissan master tech (corner 3 in southern california). PM me if you want directions.

 

I had the same problem with my 06. It was all sorts of a rattling mess, the valves, the rods, lack of oil constantly, and don't forget the nasty throwout bearing. blah I hated that mess. Get a lawyer and trade it in, is the only way you can fix that problem.

 

I'm not in CA. It's a minor problem at this point - lots of room left on the warranty. I just don't think a sports car should have valve chatter when you punch it.

 

The 03-04 engines never had those problems. My Z has over 30k hard miles and the engine is smooth as butter.

 

I have an 04 with 47000 miles. Mine does it and I'm taking it in on friday to get it checked out. Aswell as my tranny. Hate the ticking noise on the inside bugs the hell out of me!

 

My 05 has a similar noise at times. I am using 91 octane, but from a no-name station. I haven't tried using a brand name gas, or an octane additive yet. However, it usually only happens when I try econo-shifting (low rev's & shifting around 1500-1800 RPM -- where I end up in 6th gear at 40 MPH, during traffic driving).

Where do you get 100 octane?