Hi guys,
There is slight tapping in the engine, which last about 2 minutes after first morning start up. It does not do it all the time but only sometimes. Clicking noise is very low but I can hear it. Any ideas what it might be? Thanks

my 1993 path started doin that about 2 years ago, it slowly went away. the path still runs strong as it did in 93. that ticking probably isnt anything big. if you wanna double check then go to nissan and have them run a diagnostics test.
peace

It's probably one of two things. Manifold leak or a lifter not getting primed right. If it was a lifter tho, it would probably prime quicker than 2 minutes, or come and go. I know the older Pathfinders (95 and older style) had manifold issues (manifold studs breaking). I am not aware that this is an issue with the new Pathys tho. You can try http://npora.ipbhost.com/ they're a pretty knowledgable bunch of Pathfinder enthousiasts. I'm sure someone can tell you if the 98 manifolds had issues.

Good luck,

Denis

Hi guys,
There is slight tapping in the engine, which last about 2 minutes after first morning start up. It does not do it all the time but only sometimes. Clicking noise is very low but I can hear it. Any ideas what it might be? Thanks

The previous respondents are headed in the right direction. But I'd like to add something.
Lifters should get quiet almost immediately during the first couple turns of the engine if they're not in really bad shape and your oil level is OK.
So, assuming your mileage isn't terribly high, I'd rule out lifter problems.
Have a really good exhaust shop check out the exhaust manifolds on both sides. The 98 PF has a known problem with cracked manifolds (possibly the right side). Nissan issued a tech bulletin and extended the warranty to 100,000 miles for replacement of the manifolds.
Your description sounds like you might be in the very early stages of a cracked manifold.
It will sound like a light "ticking" at startup, and get quieter as everything heats up and seals off the crack. Hence, the 2 minute time you mentioned.
But, as the weeks go by it will just get louder.
This is an EXPENSIVE repair ($1800+) !
Get it fixed at the dealer if you haven't gone over 100,000 miles.
And, Nissan might reduce the cost if you catch it before getting too far beyond 100 K miles. It'll take a few calls to the dealer and Nissan's national offices.

Hope this is of some value, good luck !

I'm in the middle of broken studs now on my 91 path and suggest skipping the muffler shop unless highly reputable. Midas charged me over 600 to put manifold gaskets on and at the moment I'm stuck with a bolt/washer in one of the mounting holes and getting noisy again. Would like advice to repair myself when I'm able to park it. Thanks

I've read that a broken stud starts the ticking leak and may lead to a broken or warped manifold so best not to let go on long? Also leads to poor gas mileage as the oxygen sensor thinks the engine is running lean.

edit: plus to use old intact manifolds as they've been through multiple heat cycles already.

no wonder...i Finally started getting that ticking noise thn looked under my hood to notice the exhaust leak now im getting terrible gas milage 200 miles on a tank...thanx (97 qx4)

Glad to hear my advice actually helped !
Keep in mind the Nissan warranty extension to 100,000 mi. And, if you're not too far beyond the 100K limit Nissan might give a substantial break in repair charges. In my case, it only cost me approx. $600 to have the manifold replaced by a dealer.
But you'll have to apply some "pressure", they don't give in easily, and that could include a personal call to the Nissan Regional office. !

As for the mileage:
It could be ANY number of things.
1st: (Common problem)
Check for a gasoline odor after a complete fill-up. But do it after driving away from the gas station so any spillage has a chance to evaporate.. It's not unusual to have a tiny leak from the fuel fill tube just before it enters the tank (Depending on the size of the leak you might not notice any gas pooling under that area).
The tube is made of a lousy grade of steel and will rust badly at that location.
BTW: it's a $400+ repair including parts.
2nd: (Also common problem)
If the tube's OK, keep sniffing for fuel. Obviously, any smell would indicate a leak somewhere in the fuel system. But you may not be able to pinpoint it. Take it to a good shop, if that's the case.
3rd:
Have a reputable shop, or even a dealer, run diagnostics. Poor mileage can be caused by a LOT of things, sticky injectors, bad sensors, etc.

Good luck !