1985 2.4 Engine Rattle When Cold

[Sully1]

Hi
I have a 1985 with 85000 kms on it. Brought it of an elderly couple that , as you can tell, never used it. I am no stranger to 4 runners and perfer the first generation. Just wondering if any of you guys have experienced "piston slap". Kinda sounds like a rattle when engine is cold when applying slight gas pressure and may be present until engine warms up. If so, Did you find any fixes for it , like oil and oil grades.
When engine warms up, runs perfect.

 

[fourwd1]

Could be a worn Timing Chain slapping against the TC cover.

If you pull the valve cover you can 1) give the TC a pull to see if there is much slack and 2) look down to see if the TC guides are intact or broken off.

If it is the TC, it will gradually wear a hole thru the TC cover (not good).

 

[hickory]

piston slap

Does it consume oil? I had a 94 nissan pickup that had the same noise. It burnt a quart every 3000 miles. I made sure not to drive it hard when cold.

 

[the_dingman]

I have the same issue... It sounds like a 'chatter'... But goes away when warm. I've been thinking about the timing chain...

 

[Alabama4Runner]

My vote would be for the timing chain. Probably needs replacing and I would use metal guides from Englbldr.com or DOA Racing instead of the OEM plastic guides.

 

[Colorado Dan]

That's the notorious 22R timing chain "machine gun" sound - always on the cold start. It's stretched and loose, and might have a blown tensioner/guide. Been there. Done that. Replace it before she pops and does worse damage inside.