Tacoma tick cause ?

i read a lot of different opinions on why they tick but nothing definitive. Mine didn’t tick when I first got it and when I checked the air filter it was literally caked with dust and then when I changed it to a new filter it started ticking after. So I’m guessing it has something to do with the air intake or something. Any thoughts ?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2011-new-info-on-ticking-valve-train.113926/
Lots of juice in this thread ^^^

 

So like when it quits ticking it's a signal to change the air filter?

Nope.

Coincidence in your case.

If you had put the dirty filter right back in the ticking would have continued.

 

OK, may as well throw in my theory.

The valves are adjustable. It is a difficult job and requires the cams to be removed and new shims installed. A job that most likely no one will have done unless by a mechanic, UNTIL you get the cost estimate and then you may change your mind.

That said, maybe, just maybe, Toyota knew this going in and purposely set the valves at the high end of spec. with the idea that as the engine wears, generally the valves get tighter or, in this case, work their way to the middle of the spec.

So what you are hearing is normal valve noise due to the adjustment.

Just my guess. Mine doesn't tick but my friend's does.

 

My 09 V6 has ticked since day one

My 99 taco i4 had piston slap when below 50 degrees but lasted 180k till frame rotted

 

You’re a miserable old hag with a hideous wife aren’t you?

 

Not at all.

But I have a modest amount of common sense. Mingled with an above average amount of mechanical experience.

Well, at least enough to know that clean air filters don't cause engine ticks.

I bet wisecracks about my deceased wife bolster your tuff boy cred too.

Enjoy your time in my safe place. It's bit crowded, but you'll fit right in.

 

Tick is related to that VSV valve on the driver side. I had to install mesh into my airbox to prevent rodents eating my air filter after that tick is gone. I am guessing there is more vacuum now so vsv opens and closes with a load instead of just cliquey clack
EDIT I am guessing those 8 with no tick have either better filters or partially clogged filters or like me some kind of mesh in front of the filter that obstructs air.
Funny my fuel mileage went up after that, not by much but still it went up.


Took this from another thread, seems to make sense to me... guess you’re not as smart as you think you are huh ?

 

According to a long-time dealer tech on the t4r.org forum, the tick some experience in Tacoma's and 4Runners is due to VVT-I - be it single VVT-I or dual VVT-i

 

I've owned two vehicles with the 1GR-FE engine. Both have ticked since new off the lot. I'm not concerned by it as the first one made it to 200,000 miles with out any issues. Still ran great when I traded it in.

 

jup my v6 3.4land 2.7l had the same but they still kept running it wasn't detrimental mechanically in any way to the trucks

 

Update! Almost 4 years and 150,000 miles later. My Tacoma is still ticking along great! Still ticks and it still runs perfect.

 

Takes a licking and keeps on ticking.