Hello everyone and thank you in advance for reading this,

I bought my 350z (enthusiaste) in 2004 with 4000 miles on it. I have babied the car sense I bought it (regular maintenance, oil changes, never beat on it).
Yesterday I changed the oil, drove it about 20miles, and I went to bed. When I woke up for work this morning soon as I started it, it began to make a tapping noise from under the hood. I checked the oil level and it was fine. I let the car warm up hoping the sound would go away, and it did not. I applied a little throttle while in neutral in my garage and noticed the noise completley goes away above 2800 rpms. The noise seems to be in time with the engine, but it is not the brutal thwacking/ banging noise I have heard from engines with major problems.

Any advise would be greatley appreciated, I would like to have some idea of what to expect so I do not get handled by the dealership. I read it could be a fuel damper, how likely is this?

 

Did you rule out any side effects of the oil change? Did you recover all your tools? Nothing left sitting in the engine bay? The splash guard is secure? Oil cap on? Dip stick in place? Belt is not obstructed?

 

First, thank you so much for the reply. I am just sick over this problem because I love my car, and it is the only thing I own that is actualy nice.

As for your suggestion. Yes, tools all accounted for, cap and stick in place, and the same kind of oil/filter was used for the change.

 

i am not sure if it the same for our cars but when i had my 06 rsx the K20 motor's injectors made a clicking noise. but i would double check the splash guard nut and bolt are secure.

 

Where exactly is the tapping noise coming from? Top or bottom end?

 

The noise is definently coming from the engine compartment, and it seems as if it may be coming from the passanger side valve cover or intake area. also seems to be up near the top of the motor. kind of hard to pinpoint.

 

Did you change the type of oil you normally use? Can you possibly post a sound clip of the tapping noise? How many miles are on it now?

 

Yes I can post a sound clip tonight when i get home. same oil and filter was used.

 

id inspect the belts for any cracking.
I had what I SWORE was valve bucket/shim noise from the valve covers.. and was fully fixed by swapping belts out.

 

Triple checking the belts is a good idea. I'd suspect everything on the accessory drive. You might be able to more precisely locate the source of the noise by probing areas of the engine with a long tube or automotive stethoscope, or even a ridged piece of metal like this guy.. . Be safe!

 

just got of the phone with the nissan shop who I took the car to for inspection. They think that it is the fuel dampers. Hope it fixes the problems, I will post an update in a few days