2011 Tacoma knocking sound

Hi all,
I have a 2011 4.0l with 156,000 miles, that has been making a strange slight knocking sound from the bottom of the engine. Over the past 3 months it has come and gone, but lately it has been more often. It happens when the engine is cold and hot. From what I understand, a rod knock will not come and go. Just wanting to get an idea of what it could be, as I want to fix this and stop procrastinating

 

Does it sound like this?
https://youtu.be/9RsNkuxnGxs

 

Yes that is pretty dang close to what I’ve got.

 

They all make this noise. Mine has been doing it since I bought it.

In my opinion it has to do with the harmonics of the motor.
My 3rd gen work truck makes this noise(3.5) and so does my buddies newer 4 runner.

 

Is it really anything to worry about, can putting thicker oil in help. I’m keeping this truck forever, and I want it to last a while

 

If it is indeed piston slap I wouldn't worry to much about it . Some engines with piston slap can run well over 100k miles after diagnosing the problem . Also changing your oil more frequently helps

 

I went through this a year ago. My truck had been sitting for a while. I "resolved" this by doing an oil change. Hasnt been back.

Don't think it was piston slap, but more like valve/lifter chatter. Someone explained it as some gunk from the oil got stuck. Best way to flush it out was to warm it up on a drive, then change the oil. Might even take 2 oil changes

 

It's not piston slap and oil won't cure piston slap anyway.

 

Piston slap is more noticeable in newer engines that looser tolerances such as piston to bore clearances

 

Mine does this from time to time. I've noticed it more when it's cold out though for some reason.

 

Thanks for the info.
Fourfourone, if it’s not piston slap what else could it be?
For now I plan on changing oil more frequently, and flushing it out soon.

 

AFAIK, these engines are just noisy. My truck makes the same sound. I haven't been able to bail down exactly what's causing it though. Not rod knock, don't think it's piston slap, could be the VVTI system?

Either way, just change your oil regularly and use the correct weight.

 

It's the harmonics of the motor. Like I said they all do it. People that say theirs doesn't make the noise just haven't heard it yet. The 3.5 in my 3rd gen makes the same noise.

If it was piston slap you would hear it much closer to the engine, not in the exhaust.

Flushing or changing your oil sooner won't help. I change my oil every 5k with mobil one and the noise has never changed.