cold engine start clicking noise, what is it?

I replaced my fuel filter on my 2004 2.4L tacoma 2wd. 65k miles. At the same time I
checked the valves. No valve adjustment needed. Now I hear 4 to 6 rapid metallic clicks when i start the engine cold. Once it happened when it was warm. This fuel filter is not originalequipment.

ideas?

tks,
pa

 

I had a similar issue with a different car and it ended up being a bad battery. And just the clarify, the clicking sounds I was hearing was not the same sound you hear when your battery is drained and not able to turn the crank, the engine started every time.

 

Is it cold where you live? Maybe it's just a dry valve train on startup. Mine does it pretty often in winter on cold nights because the oil drains down into the oil pan overnight and gets really cold so it takes it a couple seconds longer to circulate on startup making a few rapid rattles before quieting down. Although when it's warmer out it never makes any rattles on startup. I just assume it's normal, and Toyota engines have never been known to be the most quiet either.

 

central florida.

 

Hmmm, well does it get cold there this time of year? I've only been to Florida in the summer and that was in Melbourne where my sister in law lives and she claims it gets really chilly because of systems and wind that come off the ocean. But then again, she's the type of woman who bundles up in a parka when it's 60 degrees outside!

 

me too:
But then again, she's the type of woman who bundles up in a parka when it's 60 degrees outside!

70s here now