knocking lifters?

Ok guys sorry if this has already been posted but i couldn't find anything on our generation of truck. Just the tre 2.7. I bought my 2001 Taco 2.7l 3rz with 183k miles and every winter until it warmed up it would knock pretty loud. My dad says its the lifters. Since day one I've ran Conventional 5w-30 every 5k miles with no oil loss so i never worried about checking the dip stick till this year i was told it was off the dipstick during my oil change. I will be more diligent in checking now but even during the summer the lifters are knocking occasionally on cold start. Once its warmed up though i don't hear a thing.

 

Are you using OEM oil filters? If not, they may not have an 'anti-drain' check valve.
This may cause the initial knocking.

 

I'm not sure. I have been going to the oil shops to get it changed. Whatever they have been putting in but i can ask. Or request that.

 

I've never even hear of those. I don't change the oil myself. I will look into them though.

 

We don't have have lifters. Or even finger followers that can be adjusted like on old Hondas. Is it a 'click' or a knock/thud?

Sometimes accessories will make noise or bearings related to them, sometimes cam chain guides make a little noise on the 4 cyls., sometimes it's valve 'tick' and sometimes just fuel injector discs just clattering.



Search for taco tick you'll get a lot of results, maybe a video.

 

Its a clicking during idle maybe and gets louder like a knock maybe if i try and drive right after starting up. Or even just reving the engine during warm up.

 

Most old tacomas (and most old toyotas for that matter) all do it.

Prob. nothing but you should diagnose it.

Get a video.


Just remember it's not hydraulic (lifters) it's going to be some kind of metal on metal then, If it quiets down right after a oil change, it's prob. just 'taco tick' or maybe (just for 4 cyls.) cam chain guides flapping around.

 

Ok tomorrow morning i will try if it does it. During the summer its pretty random when it does it. I should also note that my truck now has 260k miles on it.

 

If you ever have cause to change the valve cover gasket it would be wise to check valve clearances at that time. If they're a little loose they will tick but that usually doesn't go away after start up. It's also better to be loose than tight, which is what they tend to do more often.

I don't know why they tick more on a worn engine if within range than a new one that's within range. That's always been the mystery.

Fuel injectors also tick and clatter and idler pulleys are known for it too. if it's a real knock that's what i would be looking at first, get the simple things ruled out.

 

Yeah i don't usually change anything unless there's a problem so unless its super critical i don't see removing the valve cover. It is a pretty apparent noise and especially loud if i try and drive. but again it goes away. Just within this last year i changed a ton of stuff that was still factory due to random misfires, this includes checking the injectors, good pressure in all cylinders, spark plugs, coils, fuel pump or filter (i forget), pcv valve, mass airflow sensor.... Even changed the belts because of squealing. Still have the occasional squeal when the ac turns on or every start up during winter. Been meaning to check the pulley bearings

 

For the A/C belt squeal, it could be as simple as tightening the belt a little. Easy to do.

 

Like said, there are no lifters on these engines. Your most likely hearing a little piston slap when cold until the piston heats up and expands tightening the clearance. It's normal especially on yota 4 bangers, just be gentle on it until it warms up.

 

I've always laughed when people say "It's barely broken in" at 100K miles.

Yes piston slap is another very common noise on EVERY vehicle with miles. Dumb of me to forget to mention it. It's prob. the main noise all of us hear but there's absolutely nothing to be done but drive it and you really can't see it so it gets put out of our minds.

 

Thanks again guys. Yep i was going to ask what can be done to ease the strain on piston slap like changing oil or weight? At 260k miles i want to make my truck last. My dad wants me to sell it for lower mileage rigs but gotta love my yota. I should also note ive never had the timing chain checked or know when to check it. Bought it at 183k

 

Yep i will have to tighten it again. During the winter i went and tightened them and it helped. Not sure how tight is too much though. Thanks

 

3rz’s are known for their valve clearances to tighter over time, and they will burn a valve or crack a cylinder head. The clearances are supposed to be checked and reshimmed as needed every 100k, but some people say even 100k is too long to go.

 

Not much to do but take it easy till it gets to temp. You never hear of Toyo. pistons just breaking from it though so it's best to determine that's it and not worry. If you've been through the fuel system and are satisfied, not going to check valves (Your call, it's not easy peasy to re set them anyway) then roll, baby roll. Like most of us.

Serious problems usually are at all temps and don't lessen. Tight valves though are like high blood pressure, the silent killer.

 

I'm betting on slightly improper oil weight (in reference to ambient temp), or cheap-o oil filter. This is likely especially the case if you're getting the "$24.99 oil change special". Super low quality conventional oil and filter.

2nd probability (IMO) for the ticking noise would be piston slap. Didn't come to my mind initially, but after suggested here, it makes sense. Especially on a ~200k+ mile engine.

3rd, I would look into valve clearances. I hate manual adjustment valve motors. That bit of maintenance is rarely done because it's so costly, and most owners aren't even aware. The give-away here is if the truck is slightly hard to start in hot or cold temps.

 

Ok not sure what brand of oil they used. The place i go is called grease monkey but here is the filter that is in it from them. Also the oil looks good after 2200 miles but is halfway to full on the dipstick. I will see about pricing out a valve adjustment but it doesnt seem to be hard to start up right now.

 

AARRGGHHHHH!
1.) Clean that Engine, a clean engine is a happy engine.
2.) You are welcome