97 2.7 3RZ engine noise after headgasket replacement...

First time posting anything so I apologize ahead of time if I left out a bunch of info.... but here goes!

Had my 1997 Tacoma DLX 4x4 3rz manual trans (161,000 miles) into a local service place to have the headgasket replaced due to coolant consumption. After the headgasket was replaced and the engine warms up the engine develops almost lifter like noise. If you Rev the engine at all the noise goes away but comes right back as the engine comes back to idle. After reading through the headgasket procedure numerous times and speaking with the mechanic he did not install the service bolt into the camshaft sub - gear upon removing the exhaust camshaft. Also didn't preload the sub-gear when installing it.... Would this cause engine damage running the engine without the sub-gear preloaded? Also would it cause the noise once the engine is warm?

The mechanic removed the front cover looking for the noise before I found the preloading of the sub-gear procedure was skipped and found both the timing chains and guides looked great!!!! Hardly any signs of wear!!

Thank you for your help!!!

 

OMG!! I'm having my truck put in the shop in the morn for the same identical prob.. you described my prob to the tee.. mine also started when the head gasket was changed, The shop that i'm taking mine to said the cam needs to be preloaded....

 

Please let me know what you come up with...... I am sure the local shop I am dealing with will figure it out as they have went above and beyond in every aspect to work with me to resolve the issue.
Thanks and keep me posted!!

 

Okay, just got it out of the shop, He had to preload the cam.. I have drove it around 30 miles and the noise is gone.. Price 165.00.. I bought this truck from a guy that changed the head gasket 6 months ago, I only have had the truck for about 3 weeks now, so it would be safe to say that it has had that noise for at least 6 months.., but now it's quiet ....

 

Great news!!!! Hopefully have mine back by the weekend!!! Thanks again for the update!!!

 

If you still have problems afterwards, you might have Briar's mechanic give your mechanic a call,,or get that number from Briar. Sounds like the man is patient enough to figure out timed and preloaded cams. Hopefully your mech is humble enough to accept info if needed.

Good thread,,subbed. Another ticking noise thread,,but it seems to be ending well and it makes sense quickly. Keep us posted.

 

Just checking in to see how everything went....

 

Just had my head gasket replaced and I’m having this exact ticking problem. What should I do? Thanks