Vvrrr under 2k RPM

Have a "vvrrrr" type noise, happens with & without vehicle in gear. It gets slightly louder when the rpm goes up but is either drowned out or goes away over 2k rpm. I've replaced the tensioner, the idler pulleys don't make any noise with the belt off.

I can't seem to pinpoint the noise. I do have a big leak between the exhaust and converters. Any ideas?

2005 tacoma 4x4 I4 2.7

 

The vrrrr noise you hear are the hamsters wanting more chow as you slow down. Once you speed up, they have to focus on staying on the wheel more so they can’t make that noise.

 

heat shield on exhaust possibly. Or hamsters

 

It's a manual but the noise is present in neutral and in gear even after the engine is warm.

 

Haha, I know it's not alot to go by. It's the best I can do. "Vvvvvrrrrrrrr" is honestly the most accurate description.

 

Seems like the front of the engine, possibly low but hard to tell.

 

Underneath the driver and passenger doors youll see the rear cats. The rear cats have heat shields. Go ahead and airhammer those off.

 

4 banger only has one exhaust

 

True but has 2x cats

 

but does still have a heatshield that can rattle

 

OP, my money is on the viscous fan clutch.

 

Yes they do and mine did it.
Truck had a slight metallic rattle at start up. But taking off from a stop it sounded like a ricer until getting 2nd gear.
Mine was a manual also.
I used a few or a large hose clamp (worm gear) to stop the rattle.
When the frame was replaced it came home without the shield.

 

Wouldnt that cause an overheating issue? Or are you referring to bearing noise?

 

IDK. Starting around 15,000 mi. my '09 2.6l would make an awful lot of noise around the same 2k RPM the OP states. And it was indeed the fan clutch. Never had any overheating issues.

 

Well good on you for finding it, havent seen that one yet in my time in the field. Knew a kid who was so sure it was his throwout bearing squealing or something, got bored one night and removed the cat shield, sound gone lol.