Ticking Lifter

I have been having a ticking noise at low rpms and is really prominent when starting off up hill. I assume it is a lifter if you think otherwise, say so. I started researching and saw additives and cleaners but i also ran across people saying replace the oil pump. Has anyone had this problem and fixed it? My oil light comes on for about 1.5 seconds or so when the truck is started but I think thats normal, if not then ill be replacing the pump.

 

Oils and additives don't fix squat, they only mask the problem.

I can see low oil pressure causing the issue with the ticking. The lights should flash on and off on startup, that's to be able to tell if the bulbs are burnt out. But if the oil light stays on for longer than all the others, that could be a sign it's taking longer than normal to build pressure.

I would perform an oil pressure test before going and replacing the pump. I've never had to do one, so I won't be helpful on how to do that, but search around, I'm sure there's tons of threads on it. I did a quick google and there is a bunch of stuff on installing an aftermarket pressure gauge.

But if the ticking is happening while under load (going up a hill), that's more likely detonation, not a valve tick.

 

Just took all the words right out of my keyboard.

 

I'm putting this ribbon on my fridge.

My wife will be so proud of me.

 

I don't think any of the 1st gen motors have lifters that would tick like that. They are all cam over valves. Right? I know the 3.4 is at least.

 

I'm not for sure. But I would appreciate any help figuring out what this is. I have the 2.7L

 

Shim over bucket like the 3.4L 5VZ-FE motor. So no lifters. I don't know how hard it is to replace the oil pump in that motor but if you have seen recommendations for it, you might want to research that further and consider it.

 

Yes, all tacoma motors are overhead valve/cam motors.

That doesn't mean the valves can't make a ticking sound...

 

Take it to a shop.

 

Yeah, I know that. But it wouldn't be lifter tick.

 

Well duh, but I think we all understood what he was talking about based on the symptoms.

 

Right. The point of me saying that tho was to make sure the OP understood that as well.

 

The timing chain/balance shaft chain (cant remember which) on the 2.7s have been known to stretch and slap around and cut a groove in the block. Just throwing that possibility out there. Maybe try a mechanics stethoscope to eliminate that. Hope you figure it out.

 

A loose spark plug will make a ticking noise. I would recommend a torque wrench since you want them to be tight but not so tight you strip them out.

 

The oil pump on the 2.7 is not too difficult. I replaced it when I replaced the timing chain on my Dad's 95 2.7. It's on the front of the engine.

The worst part was the phillips head screws refused to come out. Even using a manual impact driver, I still managed to strip 3 of them and had to drill the heads.

 

@ToyotaJim, I had a 1977 full size GMC Jimmy, that I rebuilt the engine. And I took my time, when pre adjusting the lifters during the build. After I got it running, I had a weird ticking noise, which I assumed was a bad lifter. Friend of mine told me to start the truck up after is was dark with the hood up, and what did I find. A bad spark plug wire arcing and sparking. Replaced it and the problem was solved. Might not be your issue, but it wouldn't hurt to check it out. Good luck.

 

I'm gonna get new wires (because mine are old anyways) and check the torque on them today. Thanks.

Just because I don't work on Toyota's for a living and I just hear what has always been a lifter noise doesn't mean I can't ask questions. Your comment doesn't help.

 

Yes a 2.7 has hydraulic lifters a little clatter is normal starting from cold my last 2.7 rattled a bit cold but it did only last 300K while I owned it so I have no ideal if it blew up.

 

Shim over bucket not hydraulic if I remember correctly

 

These 1st gens have shims and buckets no hydraulic lifters. Usually the valves tighten up over time. Excessive tick could be a loose valve or a exhaust manifold leak

It’s normal to have a slight tick. If you don’t have any tick I’d be worried if too tight valves