Bad Timing Chain Sound?

2015 Tacoma 2.7L with a host of previous issues. I need a sound identified. I will list the issues below. Here is the sound (YouTube link):

https://youtube.com/shorts/2-B6FCZ3SvA?si=5iW0DzE5qYYQvpsY

P0335 AFTER crankshaft position sensor replacement, Low Oil Pressure on startup (even after oil change) that goes away when RPMs go up and then issue goes away, engine misfires after spark plugs and coil pack replacements, valve cover replaced, power loss on acceleration, and constant issue with traction control off with engine light on.

 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound good. Since you confirmed your oil pressure was low, I’m assuming the oil light came on? I don’t know the exact spec, but I believe it usually triggers around 3 psi, which is dangerously low and almost useless as a warning because by that point damage has probably already occurred.

I’d start with a compression test and/or a leakdown test. It could be a bad tensioner, but even after 10 years, unless you have crazy high mileage, I’d bet something else is going on with the engine.

I’ve attached some service specs below that may help. Let us know how it goes.

 

I definitely have crazy high mileage…almost 250,000.

 

Doesn't sound like a timing chain to me.

What it sounds like to me is collapsed hydraulic lifter(s) causing excessive valve adjustment gap. Which could be attributed to the low oil pressure.

 

Would that explain the crankshaft position sensor code? I’ve also had someone say something about “distributor caps.” I’m trying not to “parts cannon” it, but I’m not really having luck with that. :/

 

To fast for a lifter tick, that is consistent with the crankshaft rotation.

 

Sounds like phaser knock to me, in any case you need to determine why the oil pressure is low as that's likely what's causing it to knock.


3.5L Ford Ecoboosts are notorious for phaser knock due to poorly designed phasers.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cA7vy44poDw

 

Low oil pressure could cause timing issues.

You don't have a distributor cap or a distributor...

 

Too fast for A Lifter tick, not to fast for a bunch of lifters ticking....

 

Sounds like it needs a used engine with fewer miles on it...

Another 2.7L posted last month for comparison: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-around-here-what-the-hell-is-this-sound.862632/



Compare to the recalled Tundra 3.4L turbo:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DD7gibURSmd/

 

So I have basically boiled this down to either a timing chain issue or lifters? Is there anything else that could probably be? I feel like I’m betting on timing chain unfortunately.

are there ways that I can confirm this without taking it in?

 

^The fact your oil pressure light stays on for a long time after startup means the engine internals are already toast. Look for a replacement used engine.

 

This is my theory which is a moot point since the truck needs a new motor.

Oil pressure is what is used to create the tension on the cam chain, when OP drops so does the tension on the CC and it gets loud. IMO you're hearing a side effect of the engine's low oil pressure. Every time a valve has to open there's additional resistance to camshaft rotation, when that happens the resistance causes tension on the cam chains which is typical. Normally a tensioner with sufficient OP can deal with that, drop the OP and it struggles or fails to keep tension. I think what you're hearing the tensioner being pushed back every time tension is put on the cam when it's opening a valve.