ok i bought an 04 base 350z about three weeks ago, runs fine, i got it with 33,872 miles on it, it now currently has 35050 miles on it( dont ask) anyways the service engine light came on....so when i got home i sat in the car with it running while i read the owners manual....i heard knocking coming from the engine. not a persistent knocking but maybe once or twice every 30-45 seconds or so. any idea what this could be? i seached the forum and heard any array of different possibilities but none included engine knocking and most of those vehicles were modified, mine is bone stock and i pretty much baby it, any insight on my problem??

 

I don't know anything about the knocking...I just didn't want you to be left hanging without a response on your thread. Congrats on the car and I hope you are able to get your problem fixed.

 

how much did you pay for it? color, pics, tranny?

I doubt anyone can diagnose a problem like that over the net but hey, good luck

 

Check the oil.

 

If the knocking increases with time could be anything from a bent rod to a broken rod to a loose lifter... its endless just go to a mechanic that knows their stuff and ask for advice and they can point u in the right direction just pray its not a rod.

 

Bad or low octane gas?

 

It would be natural to suspect the knocking could be correlated with the service light.
Let us know what you find out. Welcome. What color did you get?

 

My buddy owns the G35 coupe and kept putting regular unleaded in it and got some knocking noise. He took it to a mechanic and the asked him if he was using regular unleaded, but he told them "no". The mechanic just laughed at him and said that if he kept it up, he'd be seeing him again once a month.

Anyways, good luck on getting it resolved.

 

Since its intermitent I'd say this last comment is probably what the problem is but as mentioned over the net it hard to analyze such a problem. Its either that or water condensation in your Premimum gas. The 350Z is known to have a solid VQ35 engine. Sitting still its just purrs like a LION.

I'd add some gas additive and start using Prem Gas. If that doesn't work take it to Nissan dealership or Local trusted mechanic to check it out. Use sports cars sometime have been drove hard and put up wet, before being sold.

 

dude just take it to the dealer!!
you still have the remaining factory warranty

 

i have the same problem on my 03 base. its makes a persistent low thumping sound that can only be heard from inside the car on the passenger side floorboard, took it to a NISSAN dealership and they said it was the exhaust(stock). cant hear it from outside the car, only inside by the passenger floorboard?

 

Although the car computer takes care of the timing, take it for a test at any
trustworthy (???) shop, or the dealer (???!!!). Car comp' may have a glitch--hope not.
Keep us posted.

 

OP's last visit was on 3/1/08...

I highly doubt he will respond. He has entered into TROLL status.