2007 Tacoma/2.7 Valve Noise

Anyone ever had valve tapping noise (briefly) under quick acceleration? I talked to a mechanic about it, he said one of the problems with the 2.7 (4) Cylinder engines is they may not oil well in the top end, (if the oil has not been changed regularly), which may cause some valve tapping when you're accelerating? Because oil is not getting into the top of the head fast enough. He suggested changing the oil every 3,500 miles rather than when the oil change light comes on, which is probably around 6,000 miles.

This is a 2007, runs fine. Has 251,000 miles on it. Just to factor that into the equation.

 

Is it like a clicking noise?

 

It's valve noise, almost sounds like pre-ignition. Just does it under acceleration.

 

I'm still not quite sure what that means. The only reason I ask is I had my valve springs replaced under a recall on my 2013 4 cyl. and it seems to have developed a slight clicking sound after the fact.

 

First off the 2TR-FE 2.7 liter engine has hydraulic tappets.

Second off what you are describing is not valve noise but pinging.

Try a higher octane gas to see if that helps.

It wouldn't hurt to run a few tanks with Techron Cleaner in it to get rid of carbon build-up.

Oh yeah and your mechanic is full of shit. The top end of the 2.7 engine is well supplied with oil unless you are pumping sludge from not changing the oil. That is true of any engine. The 2TR-FE engine is not prone to sludging. Change the oil every 5000 miles along with the maint req light and you will be fine.

 

What he said .....

 

I rain sea foam into it a while back, didn't seem to blow out much in the way of carbon. But I will try the techron. Alrightee then on keeping my oil changes on schedule with the light. Thanks for your info on oiling in the top end. And my oil is never full of surge, I've always changed it on schedule.

Next question, it does use a quart to a quart and a half between oil changes. 252,000 miles on it, Normal?

 

How old are the plugs and what weight oil are you using?

 

It could be 252K miles is quite a few miles....

 

Plugs are the stock iridiums. Changed recently. I am using 5W20, what it calls for. And, when the plugs are pulled, they are clean. No visible smoke from the exhaust.

 

Jimmyh, don't get me wrong, the truck runs fine. I don't think 252,000 means that this truck is done. I am just asking some questions. I kind of expect it to use a little oil. Just asking the experts, I am sure there might be some things that I can learn. I was a mechanic on jets like the one in my profile pic. They are easier to troubleshoot and work on than Tacoma's. Just sayin.

 

I see it does say 5-20 or 0-20 for your 07. Your motor has VVT, does it not? If it does, maybe try 0-20... I've heard something about the engine needing correct oil flow through the VVT screen and thicker oil retards the timing but I could be wrong.

 

Thanks.

 

I don't think it is the oil viscosity. My 06 calls for 5w-30, which I have been using for the last 100,000 miles without issue.

Are you sure you're not hearing the exhaust gases in the manifold? I noticed this when I first bought my truck, reminded me of a 1980's V8. I remember someone on here years ago saying that the exhaust manifold is pretty big for the size of the engine, which sort of enhances the sound of the exhaust gases entering the manifold. Not sure if this is true, but just thought I'd put it out there.

 

Is this your first Tacoma? The 2TR engine can sound very tinny and gravelly under load.

 

If you're concerned about the oil useage, just use a thicker oil. You are in Louisiana so cold start ups are not a concern. I would use a quality brand name 10w-30 and go from there.

Back in the day before I knew any better, I put 335,000 miles on a 1988 Toyota pickup (pre Tacoma) and I used nothing but Castrol GTX 20w-50!

 

2trfe has balance shafts in the engine(bs shafts) basically they're there to reduce vibes from the engine however they have a tendency to fail and seize up when the miles get up there and block and oiling port preventing oil from getting to the top of the head. I haven't heard of many cases but it has happened, there is a delete kit but it involves a lot of work and if you're not talented enough it's best left to professionals. Not saying that's you're issue but just tossing ideas out.

 

You'd know if the bs shafts failed things go boom

 

Put a new timing chain in it about 5,000 miles ago. Replaced all of that. Eco: Hadn't thought about the exhaust gases in the exhaust manifold. The truck runs fine, I reckon I just listen too much to the abnormal noises. What you're telling me is, they could be normal for this 4 banger.

 

I've only noticed extra noise (tapping, sounds like/similar to valve noise) when it is ridiculously cold, like -20 degrees C.
The mechanic talking about oil starvation is out of his mind, possibly confused with the 4.0? I know that there have been a number of the 4.0's that had ONE SIDE head dry up (driver's side) under certain conditions, but not a widespread problem (so don't panic if you own a 4.0!!)

If its under heavy accel, I'd suggest even looking at heat shields. If you have one that is a bit loose, it could be bouncing a bit and making some noise.