Do different oils cure the "Toyota tick"

[Flyingbread1]

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.

How common is it that valves get out of time. I have 140000 and the valve timing has never been checked. Has any one here had any issues? Part of me wants spend the $400 to have them checked for piece of mind but $400 can also be spent elsewhere to keep my 4r running.

2006 V6 Sport Edition 4x4 (Replacing XREAS next week)

 

[radlynx]

i have the same ticking but it's the one that you can hear from time to time especially when idling. I had been thinking what it was all about until i replaced my PCV valve cause i'm at 100000 miles now. found out that i can blow air on either side of the valve and the new one, you can't. after replacing it a few months ago, i did not hear it since. you might want to try replacing your PCV valve if you have not done it before. that's what fixed mine.

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]

How common is it that valves get out of time. I have 140000 and the valve timing has never been checked. Has any one here had any issues? Part of me wants spend the $400 to have them checked for piece of mind but $400 can also be spent elsewhere to keep my 4r running.

2006 V6 Sport Edition 4x4 (Replacing XREAS next week)

At 140,000miles I wouldn't be surprised if the valve cover gaskets are starting to leak. Usually the valves tend to stay within spec pretty well, but if you can afford it; it wouldn't hurt to have them inspected and/or corrected if they need it while they change out the valve cover gaskets.

 

[Fern]

I have the ticking noise and had the valves checked. They are within tolerance, so that wasn't it for me. 2005 V-8 w/ 127K.

 

[THEROK]

At 140,000miles I wouldn't be surprised if the valve cover gaskets are starting to leak. Usually the valves tend to stay within spec pretty well, but if you can afford it; it wouldn't hurt to have them inspected and/or corrected if they need it while they change out the valve cover gaskets.

No. If it ain't broke don't f with it.

 

[Flyingbread1]

At 140,000miles I wouldn't be surprised if the valve cover gaskets are starting to leak. Usually the valves tend to stay within spec pretty well, but if you can afford it; it wouldn't hurt to have them inspected and/or corrected if they need it while they change out the valve cover gaskets.

I do have a very small leak from my Timing Chain cover which I have been monitoring for the last 30000 miles, don't get me started on that one. My valve covers look good, no oil around there. I am about to take her in for the 140000 mile service so I'll have them take a close look at the Valve Cover. Thanks for the suggestions. This forum rocks! I am changing out my leaking XREAS next week and got some amazing advice from Ark_Swamper that is going to save me a lot of money, more if I could do it myself. I will also need some infamous brake calipers. Hopefully that's the last for a while. That's why I am hesitant with the valve check, spending a lot of money in short period right now.

 

[ben550]

No. If it ain't broke don't f with it.

so true... lots of money/time has wasted pursuing needless "fixes"... (I've done it too...)

Stick with your basic maintenance and you should be fine. If becomes an issue and throws a code or something of that nature then tackle it.

 

[NuclearN8]

might wanna give this a try:
"Ticking engine".......(one fix) - Tacoma World Forums
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/how-technical-articles/41859-tapping-idle-fix-w-pics.html

 

[BlackWorksInc]

No. If it ain't broke don't f with it.

The entire point of maintenance is so that it doesn't break down needlessly, valve inspection/adjustment is part of that along with spark plugs, engine oil, brake fluid, ect. The idea is to help NOT cause expensive damage that can be easily prevented by typically simple regular maintenance.

While Toyota likes 5yr/60k for valve inspection/adjustment, the vehicles do so well with the shims that you can easily double that without any issues.