Cam chain rattle? Nissan Primera - prismoking
I have a 1998 nissan primera 1600 si. When I start it from cold there is a rattle coming from the waterpump end of the engine. When the engine is up to temp the noise has virtually gone. Any ideas anyone
Cam chain rattle? Nissan Primera - Kostic
Are you 100% sure it's coming from the engine ?

I'm not an expert, but I have a similar car and recently noticed some rattle. It was traced to exhaust heat shield. While the engine is cold the revs are a bit higher and the heat shield resonates. When the engine warms up revs drop and rattle stops.

Actually, on my car it only resonates at about 1000rpm, not higher, not lower. So, it rattles only in the middle of warming up. And, of course, if I just rev it a tad. Try playing with revs to see if there's a connection.

If there is a chain problem, it could be oil & filter have not been changed regularly.

P.S. One of the ways to check if this is a chain is to use peace of wood with one end at the chain cover and another at your ear and listen if it comes from there.

Kostic
Cam chain rattle? Nissan Primera - Smileyman
Not sure what a cam chain rattle would sound like, the engine on my K Reg Primera 1.6 with 170,000 sounds fine. Used to get a rattle sound from under the car, esp when stationary and engine cold, had a plate removed and no rattle any longer.
Cam chain rattle? Nissan Primera - Scott H
Sounds like it could be the chain. As long as the rattle goes away once the engine is warm, there shouldn't be a problem. It just takes a while for the chain's tensioners to take up the slack.

Regular oil changes are important with chaincam engines though - every 5000 miles is recommended.
Cam chain rattle? Nissan Primera - r3d_dwarf
Im not sure but i had an escort did the same thing noise wise i mean and it was the start of the big end going like as if someone chucked a ball bearing in the engine sound only did it when cold and only did it first thing in the morning lasted about 2 seconds i was advised to get rid quick but thats the worst thing that could be happening hopefully its only a simple mater but the heat shield will make a noise if the engine is hot or cold anyway best of luck