1997 Altima noise around 2,700 and 3,000 rpm

Hi to all:

I just purchase a 1997 Nissan Altima with about 83,000 miles on it. Maintainence records, clean oil, etc. I noticed when driving at about 2,700 to 3,000 rpm I hear what sounds to be a rattle...They type that may come from a shield or guard. The frequency of the rattle stays constant as you rev the engine past

I stopped in my driveway, revved the engine up to the 2,700 rpm point and hear the rattle. I guess I can rule out the transmission.

Any ideas? The guy that sold it to me just had the plugs changed, changed the oil with Mobil 1 synthetic. Other than the rattle, the engine has lots of power, and I cannot see anything obvious-> I'm not a mechanic though :(

Thanks for the help. I hope that it's nothing serious.

Art

I also have a '97 altima, mine has 130k miles on it. I had the same problem about a year and a half ago. Only my rattle was at low speeds. Turned out to be the heat shields, had them removed, no problem since.

Thanks for the return post. I think they are fine now...Haven't heard the rattle in a while. Seems the exhaust was put on just before I purchased it.

Art

If you hear a rattle at idle coming from the passenger side of the engine, see Nissan's Technical Service Bulletin NTB98-055a dated 15 November 1998 which addresses timing chain noise caused by the upper and lower timing chain guides. It's a $750 to $1100 job depending on what else needs to be replaced.