When I accelerate (especially uphill and when the engine is cold) their is a rattling noise coming from the engine compartment. I took it to a mechanic and they said it might have something to do with the air intake fan. Another mechanic said it might have something to do with spark knock. She said that later model vehicles do this because of how the timing chain is set. I'm probably making too big of a deal out of this but I would like to know if any of you might have had a similar problem and is there a solution.

Thanks

I have the same problem and the best advice is not that of the timing chain, but rather the air intake. Sounds odd at first but its common. I have a 93 altima like that and when im shifting at a high level rpm it will kick in, just give it another gear.

I had a similar rattle on my 94 Altima..it was an exhaust support that bolts to the back of the engine. The bolt had vibrated out, and the support was rattling against the engine.

When I accelerate (especially uphill and when the engine is cold) their is a rattling noise coming from the engine compartment. I took it to a mechanic and they said it might have something to do with the air intake fan. Another mechanic said it might have something to do with spark knock. She said that later model vehicles do this because of how the timing chain is set. I'm probably making too big of a deal out of this but I would like to know if any of you might have had a similar problem and is there a solution.

Thanks

Well my Pinto had the same problem and I took it in to my mechanic...Come to find out, the last person who had this car left a can tied to the exhaust. It probably was his wedding and you know....

My '95 Altima does the same thing, its your muffler....it makes a rattly shaky noise.