2019 Nissan Murano Engine Valve Lifter: Ticking Noises and Replacement Guide
An in-depth look at the common causes of valvetrain ticking on the 3.5L V6 engine and what to know before buying used valve lifters.
- The 2019 Murano's 3.5L V6 engine uses 'valve lifters' (tappets), not traditional rocker arms.
- The most common failure symptom is a ticking noise from the top of the engine, often caused by inadequate oil lubrication or high mileage.
- Replacement is a highly complex (5/5 difficulty) job that requires removing the camshafts and is not recommended for DIY.
- When buying used lifters, you MUST purchase a complete, organized set from a single engine, as they are sized differently to set valve clearance.
Rocker Arm vs. Valve Lifter: What's in Your 2019 Murano?
While the term 'rocker arm' is widely used for the part that opens and closes engine valves, the 2019 Nissan Murano's VQ35DE engine uses a more direct-acting design. It features bucket-style valve lifters. These cylindrical components eliminate the need for a separate rocker arm, allowing the camshaft to act directly on the valve. For troubleshooting and purchasing, it's crucial to use the term 'valve lifter' or 'tappet' to find the correct parts for this specific engine.
Symptoms of a Failing Valve Lifter
A failing valve lifter is most often identified by the sounds it makes. Because failure is typically related to wear, the symptoms usually start mild and worsen over time.
- Ticking or Clicking Noise: This is the most common and recognizable symptom. The noise comes from the top of the engine, under the valve covers, and is caused by excessive clearance between the worn lifter and the camshaft lobe. It is often most pronounced during a cold start and may quiet down as the engine warms up and oil circulates more effectively. The sound will increase in frequency with engine RPM.
- Engine Misfires or Rough Idle: A badly worn or stuck lifter can prevent a valve from opening fully or on time. This disrupts the combustion process in that cylinder, leading to a rough idle, hesitation, and engine misfires. This may trigger the Check Engine Light with codes like P0300 (Random Misfire) or P0301-P0306 for a specific cylinder.
- Loss of Power and Poor Acceleration: When valves don't open as they should, the engine can't 'breathe' efficiently. This results in a noticeable loss of engine power, sluggish acceleration, and reduced fuel economy.
- Check Engine Light: As mentioned, misfires will trigger the Check Engine Light. In some cases, issues with camshaft and valve timing correlation may also set codes if the valvetrain is not functioning mechanically as expected.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
The VQ35DE engine is generally considered reliable. However, a 'lifter tick' is a widely recognized issue across the VQ engine family, especially on higher-mileage examples or those with a poor maintenance history. The primary cause is often related to oil lubrication—either from using the wrong viscosity oil, infrequent oil changes leading to sludge, or low oil levels. There are no specific NHTSA recalls or widespread Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for failing valve lifters on the 2019 Nissan Murano as of mid-2024. Any ticking noise should be investigated promptly to prevent further damage.
Warning: A ticking noise can also be caused by other issues, such as a timing chain problem, an exhaust leak, or low oil pressure. Proper diagnosis is key before assuming the lifters are at fault.
Buying a Used Valve Lifter: A Buyer's Guide
Purchasing used valve lifters can be a cost-effective solution, but it requires extreme care due to their precision nature. Unlike a simple bracket or cover, a lifter is a critical, high-tolerance engine component.
The Critical Importance of Thickness
VQ35DE valve lifters are not one-size-fits-all. They come in many different thicknesses from the factory to set the precise valve clearance for each specific valve. This is why you cannot simply buy a single used lifter and drop it in. The clearance will almost certainly be wrong, leading to noise or, worse, a valve not closing properly (a 'burnt valve').
Pro Tip: If you are buying used, you should always purchase a complete, labeled set of 24 lifters from a single, low-mileage donor engine. The seller must guarantee they were kept in order so they can be installed in a new engine in their corresponding positions.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Top Surface: Inspect the top surface that contacts the camshaft lobe. It should be perfectly smooth and flat. Reject any lifter that shows signs of scoring (scratches), pitting (small craters), or a 'dished' (concave) wear pattern.
- Side Walls: The sides of the lifter should be smooth with no deep scratches or scuff marks from moving in the cylinder head bore.
- Cleanliness: While some oil staining is normal, avoid lifters from an engine that is full of heavy sludge or varnish. This indicates poor maintenance and a higher likelihood of wear.
- Organization: Only buy from a seller who has kept the lifters organized by their original position in the engine (e.g., in a labeled tray). This is non-negotiable if you plan to install them without a full valve clearance adjustment procedure.
Cost Comparison for Valve Lifter Replacement
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM Lifter (Single) | $35 - $75 | Price per lifter. A full set of 24 would be prohibitively expensive ($840 - $1800). |
| Used OEM Lifter (Single) | $8 - $20 | Not recommended to buy individually. |
| Used OEM Lifter (Full Set) | $45 - $150 | Recommended way to buy used. Ensure they are from a single, organized engine. |
| New Aftermarket | Not Common | Direct-fit aftermarket lifters for this specific model are not widely available from major retailers. |
| Shop Labor Cost | $900 - $1,500+ | This is a labor-intensive job requiring removal of the intake manifold, valve covers, and both camshafts. |
Replacement Overview and Difficulty
- Difficulty Rating: 5 out of 5 (Expert level)
- DIY Feasible: No. This repair is not recommended for the average DIY mechanic.
Replacing the valve lifters on the VQ35DE is a complex and time-consuming task. The process involves significant disassembly of the top end of the engine. Both valve covers and the upper intake plenum must be removed to gain access. Then, the timing chain must be secured, and the camshafts have to be unbolted and carefully removed to get to the lifters. Reassembly requires precise timing, correct torque sequences, and the application of new gaskets and sealant. Most importantly, if new or different lifters are installed, a tedious process of measuring each valve's clearance and potentially swapping lifters is required to get the specifications correct. This requires specialized measuring tools and expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I just use thicker oil to stop the ticking noise?
While a slightly thicker oil might quiet the noise temporarily, it is not a fix. It's masking a mechanical wear problem. The correct solution is to diagnose the source of the wear and replace the faulty components. Continuing to drive with a worn lifter can cause damage to the much more expensive camshaft.
Do I have to replace all 24 valve lifters?
If you are paying for the significant labor to get to the lifters, it is highly recommended to replace all of them as a set, especially when using used parts. This ensures consistent wear and performance across the valvetrain. Replacing just one identified noisy lifter with a new one is possible for a professional, but it requires precise measurement to select the correctly-sized new part.
Is a lifter tick dangerous for the engine?
In its early stages, it's more of a nuisance. However, if left unaddressed, the worn lifter can cause accelerated wear on the camshaft lobe. In a worst-case scenario, a lifter could fail entirely, potentially leading to a bent valve or other catastrophic engine damage. It is best to address the issue sooner rather than later.
Why can't I find 'rocker arms' for my 2019 Murano for sale?
You can't find them because the engine doesn't use them. The correct part is called a 'valve lifter' or 'tappet.' Searching for these terms will yield the correct parts for the VQ35DE engine.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 13231-EY00A 13231-2Y800 13231-7S015 13231-EY03A 13231-2Y900
Valve lifters are available in multiple specific thicknesses. The correct thickness must be selected to achieve the proper valve clearance. Part numbers vary based on the required thickness. A Nissan dealer or specialist may be required to identify the correct replacement part number if not replacing the full set.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Nissan Murano:
- Rocker Arm vs. Valve Lifter: What's in Your 2019 Murano?
- Symptoms of a Failing Valve Lifter
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Buying a Used Valve Lifter: A Buyer's Guide
- The Critical Importance of Thickness
- Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Cost Comparison for Valve Lifter Replacement
- Replacement Overview and Difficulty
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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