3.4L ticking noise

Started the truck this morning and it was sluggish and then I heard a ticking noise. Haven’t heard this until this morning. I saw a few threads talking about a possible loose spark plug. Any advice would be appreciated as I am sort of lost on how to approach this (kinda a newbie).

 

I have two videos of the ticking that I am trying to post.

 

https://youtu.be/zs_fwd4W99k?si=6DTJ7QOnoxI6sg5v

 

https://youtube.com/shorts/_p7nI-9LpcQ?si=8-pgK06WPeUBr540

 

Coil pack arcing, right? Try new spark plug wires?

 

Yeah, that is what that arcing was on the front passenger side of the engine. I havent tried anything yet. I thought it may have just been my spark plug wires but figured I would pick TW's brain before I went down a parts buying rabbit hole.

 

Do yourself a favor, and don't buy cheap ass spark plug wires.

 

I appreciate the recommendation on that. I went oem with the coil packs and spark plugs. Ill be doing the same on the wires just to give me some reassurance.

 

Ata boy! When it comes to things that're under the hood, always, ALWAYS, ALWAYS replace 'em with Genuine Toyota Parts ('cept for the battery, that is).

 

Or NGK

 

I have been asking ChatGPT random questions about my 3rz engine that I’ve had in the past, before I rebuilt it. I have to say it has been pretty accurate, although you will need to cross reference information to determine if it is accurate.

I asked ChatGPT this question;

“5vz ticks and is sluggish”

This is what it came up with…


If your 5VZ-FE (3.4L V6) engine is ticking and feels sluggish, the issue could be related to valve clearance, fuel delivery, ignition, or mechanical wear. Here are some possible causes and fixes:


1. Valve Clearance Out of Spec (Tapping Noise & Power Loss)


• The 5VZ-FE uses shim and bucket lifters, which require adjustment over time.

• Symptoms:

• Ticking noise from the top of the engine.

• Loss of power, especially at higher RPMs.

• If valve lash is too tight, compression loss may occur when warm.

• Fix: Check and adjust valve clearance.

• Cold Engine Specs:

• Intake: 0.15 – 0.25mm (0.006 – 0.010 in)

• Exhaust: 0.25 – 0.35mm (0.010 – 0.014 in)

• If clearances are too tight or too loose, adjust using the correct shims.


2. Fuel Delivery Issues (Sluggishness & Possible Tick from Injectors)


• Symptoms:

• Hesitation or sluggish acceleration.

• Ticking from fuel injectors.

• Possible lean fuel mixture causing misfires.

• Fix:

✅ Clean or replace fuel injectors.

✅ Check fuel pressure (should be 38-44 PSI at idle).

✅ Replace the fuel filter if it’s clogged.


3. Ignition System Problems (Misfires & Power Loss)


• A weak spark can cause sluggish performance and ticking from misfires.

• Symptoms:

• Rough idle and hesitation under acceleration.

• Loss of power, especially under load.

• Ticking or popping noise from the engine.

• Fix:

✅ Inspect and replace spark plugs (use NGK or Denso OEM plugs).

✅ Check ignition coils and wires for cracks or weak spark.


4. Exhaust Leak (Sounds Like Ticking & Power Loss)


• A cracked exhaust manifold or bad gasket can cause a ticking noise, usually louder when cold.

• Symptoms:

• Ticking sound from the engine bay.

• Hesitation and sluggish response (exhaust backpressure issues).

• Fix:

✅ Inspect the exhaust manifold for cracks.

✅ Check for leaks around gaskets and bolts.

✅ Retorque or replace the gasket if needed.


5. Timing Belt Issues (Ticking & Loss of Power)


• If the timing belt is worn or installed incorrectly, it can cause sluggish acceleration.

• A worn timing belt tensioner can also cause a rattling/ticking noise.

• Fix:

✅ If the timing belt is old (over 90K miles), replace it.

✅ Make sure timing marks align correctly.


6. Low Oil Pressure (Ticking From Lifters & Loss of Performance)


• The 5VZ-FE relies on oil pressure for lubrication. Low oil pressure can cause lifter noise and poor performance.

• Fix:

✅ Check oil level and pressure (should be 4.3-5.7 PSI at idle, 43-85 PSI at 3,000 RPM).

✅ Use 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil and change it regularly.


When to Worry:


❌ Ticking gets louder over time.

❌ Sluggishness worsens and doesn’t improve with a tune-up.

❌ Low oil pressure warning on the dash.

❌ Knocking or deep rattling noise (possible bottom-end issue).


Next Steps:


1️⃣ Check valve clearances (especially if the ticking started after an adjustment).

2️⃣ Inspect fuel pressure and injectors.

3️⃣ Check for exhaust leaks.

4️⃣ Test spark plugs, coils, and ignition system.

5️⃣ Check the timing belt if it hasn’t been replaced recently.

 

did you know that the genuine toyota battery FITS on that plastic battery tray like a friggn glove
no gap onit anywhere...