intermittent ticking from 3.4 V6 engine

Hey everyone! My truck has a strange tick coming from the driver's side valve cover. The odd thing about all this is the noise only happens after a hot start up and vanishes after I drive about a block. I've been trying to figure out the noise ever since I bought the truck a month ago and from what I've been told, the truck has had an awesome maintenance history which involves full synthetic oil changes every 3k miles, being conservatively driven (owner before me was an older gentleman), and 147k miles on the truck so it would at least appear that the engine has lived a pampered life. Responses would be much appreciated!! Thanks!!!

 

does it mainly make this noise when in drive or reverse at idle?

 

Nope. But if your thinking flex plate, it's a five speed.

 

I would say, probably an exhaust leak

 

Check this topic from a few days back: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/326384-what-part-thats-ticking.html#post8623881

Mine has ticked for 10 years 183k miles as has many others....most likely a characteristic of the engine.

 

Yep, I have that same subtle click. I pulled the valve covers and checked clearances, because I worried it was excessive lash on the valves. They were completely fine.

I think all 3.4l have a click

 

I think it's pretty inherent w/ a LOT of Toyota engines with some mileage under them. Most Corollas in their various engine designs do it also.
I know my Vibe does but in it's case I believe it's a 'lil piston slap 'til warm.

 

Yeah I've heard plenty about the noisy characteristics of these engines. I just find it odd that mine ticks more severely for a given amount of time after a hot start.