Intermittent Sputter when idle

[changedsoul]

I got a 2000 4Runner 4 cyl with 160K miles. It runs great and has no leaks, but there is a concern of a problem in the future. When I am sitting in park idling, cold or warm doesnt matter, I have what seems to be a miss fire. I would say when idling at 700rpm, I feel a engine sputter every couple seconds. Nothing major, just not a smooth idle. I hear slight ticks coming from the engine when idling so I know there are some wearing parts.

Question is, is this normal for 160k miles, how can I get my engine to idle smooth as can be again, and is it possible or worth it?

Plugs are new, no engine codes.

Thanks

 

[02SE]

If you didn't replace the sparkplug wires, I'd do that too. While you're at it, I would replace the fuel filter, and pour in some good fuel system cleaner in the gas tank, like Chevron Techron Concentrate.

Without hearing the ticking, it's impossible to say definitively what it is. Fuel injectors make a ticking noise, in normal operation. It could also be excessive valve lash, an exhaust leak, or any number of other possibilities.

Your best bet would be to have an experienced Tech in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and driveability issues listen to it.

 

[DoWnAqT]

So only at idle, does skip a little on the highway while cruising?

 

[changedsoul]

Yeah only at idle. It may do it while driving, but I cannot feel anything while its under load. Also, I have no plug wires, I have individual coil packs on top each. I think the ticking is from lifters. Its very faint, and I know its not a major problem tick noise, and its not my injectors cause I hear it while in the car ever so slightly.
Just thought maybe the ticking might be tied to the slight sputter.

 

[kman55]

How do you not have plug wires, yet you have spark plugs. The wires should come down the top to the left of the motor. That's where your coils are I believe. I could be wrong though.

 

[changedsoul]

I do not have wires as in the traditional sense. I have 4 separate ignition coil packs that sit one on top of each plug. The only wires going each coil pack are small wires controlled by the ecu

 

[02SE]

I couldn't remember when they switched to individual coils on the 2.7. I've seen so few.

Check for any loose electrical connections, and vacuum leaks.

Even new plugs can have defects, so that's a possibility.