Ticking on cold start, Tacoma tick, or something else?

Hey y’all.

So, I don’t have a video for y’all on this, instead I’m just looking for some general advice.

On my 2013 4.0 V6, I notice a tick on the top end of the engine during a cold start. It’s a light tick, doesn’t appear to be knocking.

it isn’t obnoxious, or even that loud. However, if I begin to drive (prior to warming up) I can hear it in the cab. It’s very evident at that point.

When the truck gets warm (3-5 min) it goes completely away. My only concern is that from what I’ve read, others state it should go away within a minute.

Some suggest it could even be a timing chain issue. Either way, the truck has 150k on the ODO, and I’m just trying to get another 150k out of it lol.

does anyone else have any experiences with this noise? Is it normal? Mind you, all the oil changes and everything else have been done on time. I use the recommended oil also.

thanks for any advice.

 

Mine sounds louder when it’s below freezing. It’s been that way for a long time. At least 100k miles since I noticed it. In my experience, you don’t have anything to worry about. I’d call it normal.

Drive it. Enjoy the rest of you day.

 

Yeah its normal, our motors are LOUD mechanically for whatever reason but they run forever. Keep doing regular 5k mile OCI's and you will be good.

 

'They' say we don't have to let the engines in newer cars warm up before driving thanks to the new additives and oil viscosities. Probably true, and probably no harm if you get in and drive, but when I start my Tacoma I always let it cold idle 3-5 minutes or so when temps are below 60 F before I drive it, and have had way less or no initial tick. Doesn't do it at all in summer here. YMMV, and I'm sure some of us just get in and drive. I grew up driving cars where that tick meant a failing lifter, low oil or a loose timing chain. I just can't convince myself that the sound is just ok in my truck.

 

Welcome to the Taco Tic club.