Engine Rattle in V6

Looking for some help with a noise I have in my engine. I have an 08' Tacoma Prerunner (V6, 2WD, Tow Package, AT) that has a rattle coming from the engine at around 1500 - 2200 RPM. It usually happens when I accelerate moderately from lower speeds. It isn't very loud and I do have to turn the stereo off to hear it. It reminds me of what the older diesel engines sounded like with that rattle/knocking sound. I took it in to the dealer and was told that it is a normal engine noise from this V6 and not to worry about it. Well it doesn't sound normal to me. I'm thinking possible rod knock even though it isn't that loud. Has anyone else heard this noise? Anyone know of issues with these engines? Please let me know. Thank you.

 

are you sure it dont sound more like a ticking noise? A rattle could be loose skid plate or something that when it hits a certain rpm. The ticking is normal.

 

The timing chain is very noisy in these engines. That's the closest to a "rattle" probably. It's just a noisy engine and there's very little sound damping between you and it.

 

could it be the problem with the stock air box and the attachment that goes into the fender well being loose?

 

Thanks for the replies. I haven't heard anything about the airbox, so I could look into that. The timing chain thing sounds like it could be the problem. I had a 95' pickup with the 22R that made a similar noise and it was the timing chain. The rattle or clack or whatever you want to call it does go up and down with engine rpm. I hope that these engines are not like the old ones where the timing chain would eat through the timing cover case and into the coolant passages. That was a nightmare. I'm going to run out of warranty soon, so I just wanted to find out if this was a common thing.

 

I have the exact same issue on my '05 I know exactly what u are talking about, I really hear it when in reverse at 1,200 to 1,500 rpm's almost sounds like a hose leak.... like air/rattle in the front passenger side of the engine which leads me to believe its in the air intake hose somewhere... its soooo annoying. And I don't know if its normal but the hose into the side fender wall seems kind of lose... but no real way to tighten it. anyways, I saw there might be a TSB on it, but I am way out of mileage warranty... but hope this helps pin point your issue

 

I also have it but the noise is "engine load" dependant (you have to be at low rpm/high load) which would exclude the timing chain. My guess is exhaust manifold design that is causing the noise.

Search for "tick" or engine noise in the forums to see a lot of related posts

 

I agree with the "load" its when I am back up like up a hill... has to struggle a little more than normal in order to make the noise, but its def not the tick everyone talks about. Sounds like plastic is almost lose rattling/air being restricted

 

My 2009 V6 had something similar, it sounds like pinging under load. (detonation)
I now use premium fuel and it runs great. I have heard some V6's run with 87 others don't. Try some 93 octane fuel...see if that helps.

Good luck

 

Nope not pinging... I run 91 its the highest available where I live, its def coming from the air intake somehow... its an air plastic rattle

 

I'm using 91 and my engine still ticks so that is not a fix

 

I was able to pin point my rattle/noise today, its coming from my air intake hose... seems to be rattling against something, I had my wife press the gas and brake while in reverse and I could move it and make the noise... further investigation is on the way ha

 

Air intake tube TSB

 

There is no fix for the "Toyota tic"...

The OP described my problem almost exactly. 93 octane fixed my issue.

 

Since I am out of warranty to you know what the exact problem is? Or do I need a new Tube> Thanks man

 

$90 Tube assembly from dealer. or just stuff foam around it. that's what I did. It's right where the intake goes thru the inner fender.

 

Thanks, I actually put a Downhill bike tube rapped around the hose into the fender wall, now it can't move and its just rubber against metal and the tube is bomb proof. No more Rattle!!! If anyone is have this issues a tube also works great. I did this since my truck is out of warranty and could not perform the TSB intake hose rattle on it.

 

I am going to try this when I get out of work today. This rattle noise is really annoying, and what you described is exactly what mine sounds like except it sounds like it's coming from the center. I had my mechanic take a look and he thought it was the tensioner pulley, which will be insanely expensive to change...

 

The v6's dont have chains

 

my rattle is at idle...I mentioned it to Toyota and they said it was the injectors clicking....I rolled my eyes cause I know the sound of a mettalic rattle..then he said timing chain cover

does the V-6 have a chain or belt ??

I think the tech @ Toyota should consider a career change..I cant hear ( 1/2 deaf ) and could hear it !!

going back next week

I'm SO dissapionted in this truck...so many issues !!! i dont have the time to keep going back)