Hi T4R,

Not much of a mechanic and would definitely appreciate any feedback or guidance. Have a 2011 TE now with 293k miles that's been maintained regularly at the dealer. Haven't had any major engine or vehicle issues yet. A few days ago noticed a light tapping noise coming from the engine. I had maintenance scheduled for today but my 4r stopped on me the other day. I heard a momentary knocking or rattling noise from the engine and the vehicle started to shake for a bit before it finally stopped while driving. Now when I try to start it, it'll idle for a few seconds then cut off. Any suggestions what to check/do or thoughts of what this may be?

My father in law thinks it may be the lifters or valves. He's an old school mechanic and suggested flushing with a mixture of ATF and diesel which I am weary about.

Thanks in advance. Really hope this may be something minor with no major repairs

I’m fairly certain they don’t use lifters… that’s a pushrod engine component. Not used on overhead cams. Again, like 99.9% on that, as I’ve never disassembled this particular engine.

Edit: I’m now 100% certain I didn’t actually know and clearly assumed. Totally dropped the ball there




Get a code reader and verify no codes first. That would save a lot of time if it turns out to be a chewed on wire from a rodent or something.

Otherwise I’d be guessing at throttle butterfly needs to be cleaned, MAF could have something on it, and then there’s that fuel pump recall I’ve heard about.

There’s tons of things to check and if you’re already taking it in, might as well just tow it and not spend money on specialty tools

Kind of untrue. The DOHC V8 in my C63 had hydraulic lifters that would fail. My subaru outback has hydraulic lifters also. Some people call them "buckets" as well. The 1GR-FE also has lifters. I haven't looked very deep into it but I think the 1GR in the 4Runner has the "shim and bucket" kind of lifters as opposed to hydraulic.

OP, if it was a light tapping noise, it could be a lifter, but it's hard to tell without a video

The Dual VVTi 1GR-FE has roller rockers with hydraulic lash adjusters.

Well sh!t. I stand corrected.

a tapping noise would lead me to think its a reciprocating part, and if its followed by racket and power loss my first thought would be to check the oil level. does it read between the high/low marks on the dipstick? these engines are not known to burn oil, but its an easy first check.

don't touch any other lubricants to try to flush it - if the maintenance is done anywhere close to on time, the detergents in the motor oil should be capable of keeping those parts clean.

I assume the engine turns over when you try and start but it doesn't fire. Could be timing chain related at your mileage. A "tappet" shouldn't prevent engine from starting I don't think.

Yup, the Dual VVTi 1GR-FE and 2GR-FE have lifters, as does the UR family of V8's.

First thing is first, does the engine turn over? Do you have any holes in the engine block?