Slower performance and rough idling can be signs that there’s a problem with a car.
A Nissan came in due to sluggish performance.
One of our service writers noticed that the Nissan vibrating when idle and heard a “glug glug glug” sound. When he pressed the accelerator, the noise transitioned into a “putt putt putt”.
Cause behind Nissan vibrating when idle
While working on the vehicle, the technician realized that one of the camshaft adjuster solenoids was open.
Like fuel injectors, camshaft solenoids open and close. This enables the correct amount of oil to enter the variable valve timing system, which includes the timing chains and sprockets.
Oil was also leaking through the spark plug tube seals and backing up in some of the spark plug tubes.

Oil in a spark plug tube
Too much oil in the spark plug tube can cause a misfire.
Because Nissan builds spark plug tube seals into the valve cover, we also needed to replace the valve cover.

New and old valve cover
Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.