2.7l 3RZ owners questions

Hey guys,

Just wanna hear feedback from some of you that have owned your Tacoma's for a long time. I have a 2001 Tacoma PreRunner with the 2.7l engine in it. Its only got 125k on it. Previous owner seemed to get oil changed regularly. After having the truck for a while, I took it to two local Toyota dealerships. The engine very lightly clatters at idle a little noisy. However if you rev it, the noise goes away it doesn't speed up or anything. They told me at both dealerships it was normal timing chain noise. Also I asked about the valves being checked and both dealerships told me that they don't even reccomend getting them checked at all. Does the 2.7l engine normally sound this way? Or should I be concerned and also do I need to get the valves checked as it states in owners manual? Thanks in advance guys

 

I've got a 99 4runner which has the same engine. It makes the same noise especially when it's cold out. 215k on it right now and haven't done anything other than oil changes.

 

Oh okay good deal! I'm not used to this 4 cylinder engine yet from what they tell me at toyota this engine is loud for a 4 cylinder. It just a noisy engine with random sounds lol

 

My 2.7 has 230K on it and I have done very little. At idle it makes a little noise and runs a bit rough (compared to cruising speeds). The engine it extremely dependable though. Just keep changing the oil and filter, dont over heat it, and let it warm up a little before you start your morning drive and it wont let you down.

 

Shoot the thing is mine makes no noise when cold start up...only when it is warmed up and idling...makes that light clatter and ticking noises

 

Do I need to worry about the timing components in it? It also clatters after warm start up if its only been sitting for like 5 to 10 mins..clatters loudly intermittently..however once you drive It the clatter goes away and it goes to that noise I stated before...Toyota also heard this and told me nothing to be concerned about it is just timing chain noise probably from one of the tensioners

 

Ive been told, and read on this forum, that the 2.7's timing system is a lifetime system. Mine makes the clatter you are talking about after coming to a stop from freeway speeds and sitting at idle (at a stop light for example)

 

Perhaps you could post a youtube video of the noises? I might be able to at least help you determine WHERE the noise is coming from as far as internal components. A timing chain should be totally quiet on this engine. Mine has never made a noise. Now valve/lifter tap is a pretty common noise.

 

Bama I would really appreciate that I will do that today first time I get out. Thank you very much! It concerns me a lot but the two dealerships seem as tho it is nothing to be concerned about

 

Mine only make ticking noise at start up 30F and under. Goes away after warm up.

 

http://youtu.be/gqp5KZYim0I

 

Here is a video of it at idle at operating temperature

 

I would agree that that noise is excessive. It really is difficult though to tell if it is valve lash issues, or a noisy/worn timing chain, or even a bad timing chain tensioner can cause slack which shows up as noise. I would take off the valve cover and get a feeler gauge set, and measure the valve clearances. It is a lot of work, since there are 16 valves, but without knowing that, I can't tell you if it is valve lash or not. Let me know if you are up to the task. Plan out about 1.5 hours of time to do it, and make sure the engine has warmed up first.

 

I'm up for the task. I def want to figure out if something is wrong and fix it before it becomes a bigger issue. Where can I get a feeler gauge from? (Sorry I'm new to this)

 

You can get a feeler gauge set at any parts store. They are less than $5 usually. If you can, get the one with the angled tips. They work easier on measuring valve clearance.

 

Okay sounds good bama I'll grab one today...and also could you possibly give me a brief explanation of what to do? Just want to make sure I'm doing it right and measuring when I need to

 

Basics is remove the valve cover first.

You will need to turn the engine over by hand a time or two, so a 1/2 inch drive ratchet and a 19mm socket on the front crank pulley will help there.

What you are looking for is making sure that the valves you are measuring do not have the camshaft lobe turned into them. There should be several youtube videos on measuring them to help you out. If you can't find any, let me know. Don't be generic Tacoma on the search. Use "Toyota 3VZ-FE" and you will get more results.

 

And I need to do this as the engine is warm? Or been sitting overnight and also what are the measurements I'm looking for like what range is good

 

Even better with 3RZ-FE

Be fore-warned, its a lot of work, especially if you have never done anything like this. Nothing difficult, just time consuming. You have to remove the intake (above the valve cover) first. THEN you can remove the valve cover.

Afterwards, be careful not to tighten down the valve cover bolts too much. Helps if you have a small (inch-pounds) torque wrench for this step.

 

Okay good deal..I might get some help with it I've never measured valves or anything of that nature...I've did a lot of work to my mustang including having the motor apart but never.had to measure valves