2.7 VVTi Rattle

Did early 2.7 VVTi Tacomas have the VVTi pin problem the techs talk about with the Camrys and others?

I Picked up a 05 Tacoma w/ 238k on the clock, I have no knowledge of previous maintenance history. After getting it I did a normal maintenance, nothing looked bad. Truck runs good and has more power than my built 22RE/Hybrid truck, but it does kind of fall on its face on large hills in 4th gear, wont maintain 60mph on a 30.5" tire with 4.10 gears.

I noticed it had a rattle on startup. Researching this I found toyota has VVTi problems. I notice this mostly pertains to Camrys , Rav4s ect, less info specific to early 2.7 VVTi. But mine rattles exactly as they describe at startup for a split second, and only after sitting for a bit.

I did also notice yesterday when parked on a hill(not even steep) in 1st gear, the engine would bleed compression fast, the truck would creep forward every 4-5 seconds. Is this a product of the VVTi not locking?
I plan on doing a compression test. Are there any special instructions for doing the test on a VVTi?

My plan is to replace the VVTi to try and fix the annoying startup rattle.
I have been searching this and find a few timing chain videos, and 1 south american guy that talks about replacing VVTi.
If anyone has any links to or info pertaining to this I would greatly appreciate it THANKS!

 

Typically we only call the VVTI if it rattles consistently or more than 2 seconds on cold start.

What can happen is the gear will start to rattle itself and eventually damage itself. Then rub into the timing cover, or break an ear off like the v6.

We don't see many 2.7 trucks but its a lot easier to replace than the V6 tacoma. Literally just a timing chain job with one extra step to replace the cam gear.

Because its so close to doing a headgasket, I'd be super tempted to replace it and the valve seals during this process. Which could reduce oil consumption, coolant consumption and refresh the engine. It seems like a lot, but with the timing chain off its just another day of work.

 

Good info Thanks, any advice on compression and or testing?

 

Not sure I follow how it bleeds compression while in gear.

Usually lower compression on these trucks is gummed up valves.

 

If you park on a hill, engine off, in 1st gear, clutch out, with the weight of the truck being held back by the compression of the engine.

 

Gotcha, I haven't parked on a steep hill in ages, I used to butt against curbs in my 20's when I lived on a suicidal hill.

I would attribute any bleed to carbon on valves and a slightly tired engine. Also with a 4 banger there's less chances for the engine to be sealed depending on where it is.

A stuck VVTI controller/gear would have a code, Toyota makes sure of it. So if it was stuck advanced or retarded it would trigger p0016 or 0012 I don't recall but something like those.

 

More to my point, most trucks would sit there for days against that compression. This one leaks down and will roll forward.

 

OK This is very helpful, thanks so much for your time.

 

My results of the day are: Compression results 1=140 2=125 3=125 4=140.
Spark plug 1 and 3 not tight, 4 looked newer than the others and 4 had a replaced generic coil/ not denso toyota. Put in new plugs.
Pics of piston tops 1-4, 4 is the tan one.

 

I'd wager you're in Colorado based on your compression numbers. Otherwise are you at high altitude?

4 is odd, I wonder if it had a recent misfire and was repaired prior to your purchase. 1-3 look normal.

2 and 3 may be lower for a number of reasons, on older vehicles it was due to carbon prioritizing the 2-3 simply due to the EGR placement (not this engine) and intake manifold inlet position. (Caused by PCV recirculation) Also heads naturally bow a bit over time.

Does your borescope have a side camera to take a pic of the intake valves? Otherwise removing the intake manifold is the only way to confirm visually.

Leak down tests can find this as well, but its not a typical tool purchased anymore.

 

Yes 3500 ft in OR.
Sounds like head gasket could be effecting compression.
No my bore scope is a cheapie, no side camera, that would be cool.
I may keep my eye open for a head to rebuild and do a swap sometime. And just drive it for the time being.