Do different oils cure the "Toyota tick"

[GTOchris]

I have just about 75K and I have the toyota tick. It's most notably when I'm at the ATM or idling but none the less, really annoying and probably not that good somewhere in the engine... Sounds like a little diesel at times.

I have been using a full synthetic since I bought this (used) however has anyone found a cure? I know someone pointed to that bolt on part/ sensor on the drivers side head as a noisy part however after checking that isn't the source of my noise.

Thanks
-chris

 

[BlackWorksInc]

What engine are you running?

 

[zopperman]

sounds like a leaking exhaust manifold to me

 

[Synister]

That tick doesn't have anything to do with the engine internals. It's a vacuum scavenge valve and lube doesn't even touch. You can unbolt it and put some double sided foam tape between it and the intake manifold to reduce the noise, there is a write up somewhere on here detailing this process.

This only applies to the 4th gen V6.

 

[GTOchris]

sounds like a leaking exhaust manifold to me

Wouldn't that be a bit surprising given the age/ low miles?
I have 4.0L

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Wouldn't that be a bit surprising given the age/ low miles?
I have 4.0L

Not at all the 1GR-FE are somewhat notorious for their fairly audible "tick" when running. Even 2014 Tacomas (which have the older 1GR-FE used in the 4th Gens) still have it, as do the 5th Gen and '10+ FJ's (which run the Dual VVTi 1GR-FE.) Its just sort of how these engines are, even when you foam up the VSV.

 

[zopperman]

Wouldn't that be a bit surprising given the age/ low miles?
I have 4.0L

My bad, thought you had a v8 :ranger:

 

[bantis556]

My 2007 V6 has the tick as well. It annoys me at times.

 

[peebee]

I've got two 07 V6's and don't know what anyone in this thread is talking about. They both sound the same. Not saying you're wrong, just saying I've never heard "the tick" from mine.

 

[Greydog]

Yep, my 07 has had a fairly audible tick since new, though I heard some Tacomas and FJs that are quieter and some the same.

Fresh oil seems to quiet it down for a few days but it comes back.

That air switching valve is also part of the noise but not all of it.

It sounds like valve train play, and perhaps the vvti system but I'm sure it that adjusts the entire cam phase or individual valves? Guessing its the former.

 

[philskeeter]

Is this tick as loud or fast as a stuck lifter? Is it always the same speed or does it speed up as the car does?

 

[hearno]

Is this tick as loud or fast as a stuck lifter? Is it always the same speed or does it speed up as the car does?

No, nowhere as loud as a stuck lifter. You don't really hear it at speed because it's not that loud. Sitting at idle though, it's noticeable. Just something you learn to live with.

 

[philskeeter]

No, nowhere as loud as a stuck lifter. You don't really hear it at speed because it's not that loud. Sitting at idle though, it's noticeable. Just something you learn to live with.

Ok I think I know what you're talking about. I only hear it when I'm driving close enough to some with my window down and it ricochets

 

[Chihlidog]

Nope. Tick does not go away. Thay all do it. I actually read about before I bought one and I'm glad I did. Like others have said, only really noticeable at idle, especially with the driver's window down. Had I not known this was normal it would have been a concern.

 

[GTOchris]

Nope. Tick does not go away. Thay all do it. I actually read about before I bought one and I'm glad I did. Like others have said, only really noticeable at idle, especially with the driver's window down. Had I not known this was normal it would have been a concern.

I guess if no cure is known I'll just keep motoring along, Like I said- it's only noticeable when I am idling at the ATM or out in front while I'm idling. Once I start driving the RPM's silence the noise as it does not get louder with the engine I feel. I saw something on a Tacoma forum where a guy was pointing to the oil pump as a possible source. Since I only bought this a year ago and switched over to Synthetic oil right away I was questioning if maybe a traditional oil was what this engine would prefer.

 

[Flyingbread1]

Nope. Tick does not go away. Thay all do it. I actually read about before I bought one and I'm glad I did. Like others have said, only really noticeable at idle, especially with the driver's window down. Had I not known this was normal it would have been a concern.

I have the tick too. Has anyone had the valve adjustment done? The dealership recommends this but they want $400.00 just to open it and check. I'd rather not have someone get in there when it's running so well, but how do you know if it's just the normal tick or something more?

 

[MikeInNH]

Could it be that the timing chain makes the noise? That is one reason auto makers changed to timing belts years ago. Now Toyota is beginning to switch a number of their cars back to a timing chain versus the belt.

Timing chains don't make noise unless there's a problem (faulty chain tensioner, or stretched chain). The reason many manufacturers went to using belts was cost and weight. Had nothing to do with noise. A properly working chain won't make any noise.

 

[YotaDriver]

I thought I'd read somewhere that the ticking noise in the V6 was coming from the injectors. I have no idea if that's true or not, but mine's ticked since I got it and it's just something I accept as normal.

 

[fullboogie]

Toyota engines have always been a little clickety-clackety in my experience. My V6 is the same.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I have the tick too. Has anyone had the valve adjustment done? The dealership recommends this but they want $400.00 just to open it and check. I'd rather not have someone get in there when it's running so well, but how do you know if it's just the normal tick or something more?

Unlike older designs that some manufacturers still use (Honda being one to come to my mind), Toyota has been using shims to set the valve clearance on their engines for quite a while now. The nice thing about the shims is that they last quite a while, Toyota recommends you inspect the clearance every 5yr/60k (I believe Honda is like every 30k and they do tend to tighten up pretty quick); but that doesn't mean they are out of specification by that time. What your dealership is basically charging you for is to replace the valve cover gasket and the labor involved in checking each and every valve. After which if any are out of spec they will most likely charge you for the individual shim required to bring it back into spec (those things are expensive, like $20 for one.) Its a bit of a pricier set-up, but it has been a very reliable and long lasting system that Toyota continues to employ with fairly good results. But that doesn't mean you should wait until your valves are out of time and causing issues to have them checked.

Timing chains don't make noise unless there's a problem (faulty chain tensioner, or stretched chain). The reason many manufacturers went to using belts was cost and weight. Had nothing to do with noise. A properly working chain won't make any noise.

This is fairly true, almost all chain motors are very quiet when working properly; noises are usually the sign of worn/failing parts when it comes to the timing chain.

I thought I'd read somewhere that the ticking noise in the V6 was coming from the injectors. I have no idea if that's true or not, but mine's ticked since I got it and it's just something I accept as normal.

Its possible, but I've that more with GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engines or Diesels which run far higher fuel pressures and stronger pintles in the injectors.