2019 2.7 delayed cold start noise

I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but something should be able to be fixed. This noise in my start up video, started just 3-5,000 miles ago totally out of nowhere. I have researched every forum, YouTube, been to my local mechanic and Toyota. Nothing. However it only does it on cold starts and sometimes 2 weeks between occurrences. The delay between actually start up and the idle up / to when the noise actually starts and then briefly reoccurs seems to be different from all the other VVTi videos I have heard. There is always that delay. But still suspect that’s the issue. IDK. I have replaced usual maintenance items just to rule them out (tensioner, pulleys, belt). Running Toyota filter and 0w20 synthetic. (Had a Valvoline syn blend and filter history before). Also, removed and inspected the oil Control valve solenoids. The looked clean and operated correctly when connected to power, while I inspected with them out. I’m at a loss, other than running a flush and keep running the Toyota full syn 0w20 and OEM filter and hope it works itself out. My OCD is getting the best of me. Haha

Any more ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. (Including a shut up and drive it, it’s ok)


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=omdVetV1nYs&feature=share

 

Since it’s gotten colder I’ve heard that noise briefly on a cold start a couple times. Not concerned about it unless someone who knows these engines knows something haha.

 

My friends 16 has made that sound for years. He thinks it on the Exhaust side. He does not worry about it with over 200k on the truck.

 

After reading 100’s of posts, that’s what I get. It exists, always has regardless of maintenance and just keep driving. Many posts mention; you have not seen a post yet where there has been major failure. Everybody just keeps on driving these 2.7’s for 200-300k with that same noise their whole life.

 

It sounds like VVTi gear rattle to me, but that is just a guess. If you haven't already, I would post a question to You Tube channel Car Care Nut and see if he will answer it. He seems to be very helpful.

 

Check the heat shield mounted to the floor above the cat is not rattling

 

I’m pretty sure I have been over every heat shield. But will double check

 

I think my Tacoma has the most noisy v6 I've heard. Runs great. Both my friends bought 2022 tacomas just as noisy as mine.

 

Ok. Still very random and even seemed much better and further apart until this morning. Not cold (50 degrees). Last week I Changed my VVT oil solenoid / control valves as a last ditch effort and also switched to a “Tacoma oil forum” recommended Mobil 1 Extended Performance along with staying with the OEM Toyota filter. One week after, I get this same rattle, but it doesn’t fade and go away on its own. I simply turned off the key. Then restarted with ZERO noise. Which now makes me wonder if something is sticking, hanging up, possible starter solenoid hanging, or the pin in the VVT finally sticking?? Is it my oil change, I’m still with 0W20 full synthetic?? I still think it sounds in the top end. But this is the first time that it seemed that it would not stop on its own. It stayed solid until I turned the key off. Then not a peep on an immediate re-start. Any other advice? TIA

 

Yeah, that noise would freak me out too. But like others have said, try to ignore it.....or embrace it. Think of it as your Tacoma woo'ing you with wonderful love noises. It's telling you "Hey buddy, I'm doing okay and I'll survive until 300k. I gotcha covered."

 

I would bet the starter is sticking.

 

I am leaning that way. It really sounds different from all the VVTI stuff. Although does sound like a chain… So, Would a starter stick, that random and sometimes 3-4 weeks apart?

 

Absolutely. Intermittent starters are relatively common.

 

Well, I need to verify that’s where the noise is coming from. Cause solenoid always engages, starter always turns flywheel. It just makes the noise as if the solenoid is trying to engage again (maybe). Which seems odd to me. All starters I have replaced just straight up failed or the solenoid failed. It was obvious. So, I got homework to do. Thanks!!!