Engine click noise

[dieselman8]

I hadn't noticed this before someone pointed it out, but my 2008 4 runner (32k miles) makes kind of a light clicking/tapping noise that seems to be about 3/times a second at idle (1.4k rpms) and speeds up as I rev the engine. I don't notice any other symptoms. I'll try to attach a sound clip. Does any one else notice this?

 

[tobia]

Kinda sounds like an exhaust leak. Does it go away when the engine warms up? Could be the dreaded cracked exhaust manifold.

 

[dieselman8]

Kinda sounds like an exhaust leak. Does it go away when the engine warms up? Could be the dreaded cracked exhaust manifold.

Yikes. No, it does not go away when the engine warms up. It's most noticeable when I'm going through a drive-thru where the engine sound is reflected back from the wall of the restaurant. Could it simply be how the engine is supposed to sound? It's sort of a "clickity clickity clickity".

Anyway, I did my best to record the engine at idle. Hopefully you guys can take a listen:
https://soundcloud.com/snapjack543-788971198

 

[tobia]

Still kinda sounds like an exhaust leak. Tough to tell.

I've got a 2004 4.7 which does have a cracked exhaust manifold and which sounds somewhat similar. The difference is mine goes away after warm up.