I have a valve tick/tap - How to fix?

[gamefreakgc]

Some of you know that I am a bit of a guinea pig when it comes to performance parts, since there isn't a whole lot for 5VZ-FE's except for the supercharger. Well, after a recent camshaft install and valve adjustment I have a valve tick. It's pretty loud but very inconsistent. Here's the facts:

• It ticks erratically at cold startups
• Until the engine is completely warmed up (5-10 minutes) it will tick around 2,000 RPM or at idle
• Confirmed that the noise is coming from the top end, under the valve covers
• Have not re-checked valve clearances since camshaft install 2 months ago
• Sound changes with RPM
• Sound goes away under moderate to heavy load

Sometimes it's very subtle ticking, and other times it's a very loud tapping. There's absolutely no change in how the engine drives, so that effectively rules out bad timing in my mind. I did a compression test last week but they were all good except for cylinder 6, but I already knew I had a loss of compression in that cylinder since I bought it that way. The other 5 were perfect.

Should I try an oil additive? I already run a high quality synthetic oil, 5W-30. Is checking the valve clearances the next step? Looking for advice on those who have tackled something like this before.

EDIT: Video here on the noise. Sounds like it's coming from the passenger's side head to my ear, as well as in this video.
https://youtu.be/SEqAbLjrETQ

<iframe width="465" height="700" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SEqAbLjrETQ" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Heyduke]

Loose is better than tight, in this case. IMHO, rechecking the clearance is the only way. So long as you're certain it's not an exhaust leak...

2¢

 

[baja1]

I have the same thing with a junkyard motor....runs great, perfect idle, just a little embarrassing, but hey im in mexico. I tried seafoam, a couple different additives,heavier oil, nothing helps. 10K on this motor and still runs smooth so it is. I'll be interested to hear how you fare!

 

[LittleCaesar]

How many did you reshim? Check the clearance if you haven’t done such yet. It also wouldn’t be the death of the engine if you dumped some MMO in the oil.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Loose is better than tight, in this case. IMHO, rechecking the clearance is the only way. So long as you're certain it's not an exhaust leak...

2¢

I'm not 100% certain it's not an exhaust leak. I suppose it could be from the headers, I'd be shocked beyond all reason if they cracked perhaps they got a little loose. I'll torque them down again and see if that helps!

How many did you reshim? Check the clearance if you haven’t done such yet. It also wouldn’t be the death of the engine if you dumped some MMO in the oil.

Out of 24, 12. So there's a chance that's my problem, they have shim spacers + shims.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I'm not 100% certain it's not an exhaust leak. I suppose it could be from the headers, I'd be shocked beyond all reason if they cracked perhaps they got a little loose. I'll torque them down again and see if that helps!



Out of 24, 12. So there's a chance that's my problem, they have shim spacers + shims.

And that is where I would go back and start. Keep us posted.

 

[kolelt]

5vzfe are known for a tap noise which is normal.

 

[gamefreakgc]

5vzfe are known for a tap noise which is normal.

I have the normal tap/tick noise. This is a LOUD tap on top of the normal tapping.

I loosened the drive belts a little and tightened down the headers, no change. I don't have time to take off the valve covers to check clearances until next month, I'm booked solid. If anyone has anything else that can be checked quickly & easily I'm all ears.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Finally got a video of it. Only happens like this 1 out of 3-4 startups.

<iframe width="400" height="650" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SEqAbLjrETQ" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[heat]

How are the plug wires, coils, boots, etc? Could this be spark arcing? Might
be easier to spot in the dark.

 

[gamefreakgc]

How are the plug wires, coils, boots, etc? Could this be spark arcing? Might
be easier to spot in the dark.

All are good and it tip top shape. Full tune up a few months ago.

 

[BrianSD_42]

5vzfe are known for a tap noise which is normal.

How much are they really known for this?


Gamerfreak, what caused you to originally replace your camshaft and do a valve adjustment?

 

[LittleCaesar]

i believe it is a valve all day. Go back and check tolerances. For an extra kick you could try pouring in a little Marvel Mystery Oil in the crankcase for a couple of hundred miles.

Do you have a stethoscope?

 

[gamefreakgc]

How much are they really known for this?


Gamerfreak, what caused you to originally replace your camshaft and do a valve adjustment?

Performance of course, otherwise camshafts last literally forever. I still have my stockers if all of this goes bad.

i believe it is a valve all day. Go back and check tolerances. For an extra kick you could try pouring in a little Marvel Mystery Oil in the crankcase for a couple of hundred miles.

Do you have a stethoscope?

I think so too at this point as the noise is getting louder and more common. I just don't have the time to work on it, especially if I need to order shims. Is a 2-3 day downtime with Toyota orders. I might try an oil additive.

 

[kolelt]

How much are they really known for this?


Gamerfreak, what caused you to originally replace your camshaft and do a valve adjustment?

If you google. A lot of people talk about a tap/tick noise. And many don’t know why. It’s just a noise. I’m not sure so I couldn’t answer that. But I to sometimes hear it. Sounds like the evap box? Maybe just injectors. It’s not always though.

Listening to OP video. Have you switched to different oil lately? How does the oil look like ? Could it be that the valve shim is worn ?

 

[gamefreakgc]

If you google. A lot of people talk about a tap/tick noise. And many don’t know why. It’s just a noise. I’m not sure so I couldn’t answer that. But I to sometimes hear it. Sounds like the evap box? Maybe just injectors. It’s not always though.

Listening to OP video. Have you switched to different oil lately? How does the oil look like ? Could it be that the valve shim is worn ?

Oil is good and the same as always, but I did use an zinc additive when I was breaking in the new cams as directed and then changed a few days later. Problem didn't start then, was about a month afterwards though so I can't really blame the additive. My engine does not use up any oil anyway.

Anyone want to come to my house and do a valve adjustment for free?

 

[gamefreakgc]

9 out of 24 valves were out of spec. My tick turned into an outright stumble... so I knew I needed to dig in and do this.

6 of those were the intake side. What I think is happening is the extra lift is causing the springs to compress slightly and opening the gap too much. Some were almost double the clearance they should have been.

$90 in shims yay...

 

[LittleCaesar]

9 out of 24 valves were out of spec. My tick turned into an outright stumble... so I knew I needed to dig in and do this.

6 of those were the intake side. What I think is happening is the extra lift is causing the springs to compress slightly and opening the gap too much. Some were almost double the clearance they should have been.

$90 in shims yay...

All good now? :clap2:

 

[96RedRunner]

What I think is happening is the extra lift is causing the springs to compress slightly and opening the gap too much. Some were almost double the clearance they should have been....

Good you found the cause. If what your thinking is true you'll find out soon enough. Have you started looking for Hi-lift Hi-perf springs yet, have a feeling tap is coming back.

 

[gamefreakgc]

All good now? :clap2:

Not yet, valve adjustment isn't a simple process. Currently my engine is strewn about the garage but I got lucky, the dealership had the shims I needed in stock. They are normally special order.