New guy with a used 4th. Gen question.

[Sixthirteen]

As the title says, I am new to the forum and I have a used 21 Venture edition with less than 17,000 miles. The Runner looks great both in and out. Its my first 4Runner and I have to say that on idle the engine sounds like there are things slapping and maybe clacking in there. Its only at idle after its warm. Step on the gas and it is smooth and quiet, shifts smooth also. Engine oil looks very clean. So I guess I am asking if any of you out there notice this sound on idle and if its a normal thing. Thoughts??? Thanks.

 

[rdruss]

Model year '21 is a 5th gen.

 

[Sixthirteen]

Yes it is...I am new to the to the 4Runner world.

 

[runner9999]

I also have a 4th gen 4Runner. Do not have these sounds. Open the hood and see where in the engine it is coming from?

 

[- Rita -]

As the title says, I am new to the forum and I have a used 21 Venture edition with less than 17,000 miles. The Runner looks great both in and out. Its my first 4Runner and I have to say that on idle the engine sounds like there are things slapping and maybe clacking in there. Its only at idle after its warm. Step on the gas and it is smooth and quiet, shifts smooth also. Engine oil looks very clean. So I guess I am asking if any of you out there notice this sound on idle and if its a normal thing. Thoughts??? Thanks.

What was it?

 

[Hungryhawk]

There is the old school auto stethoscope of taking a piece of hose and put it to your ear and onto a part-like valve cover - and see if it helps source the noise.
Be careful not to get tangled in moving parts!
And old piece of garden hose should work. Use a length that you can fully control both ends

 

[rdruss]

I've heard on here that the V6 makes a little noise at start up, maybe someone will chime in. It has a timing chain, tensioners, etc. and variable valve timing (I think), There is a plug you can pull and check the screens for the oil supply to the VVT for debris, I think, again maybe someone familiar with the V6 will chime in.

 

[Hungryhawk]

I have 2017 SR5 and I think your engine description is succinct!
The little filters for the valve camshaft oil, in the side of the engine block are cone shaped screens accessible behind a bolt like plug. They are rarely serviced if good clean oil is maintained always.
The 4.0 V6 is noisy. It is a truck engine and has camshafts chain not a belt.
The 0W20 recommended oil is said to add to the clatter on start up. Some owners use 0w-30 and claim it quiets start up a lot. These same "shade tree engineers" accuse Toyota of using the 0W-20 to meet fuel efficiency goals at the expense of engine life.
My miles are about 63,000 . I switched my Honda Pilot with VVT at 100,000 miles to 5w30 from 0W20 recommended. I ran it to 240,000 miles and had no engine oil related issues.
So I am currently undecided about future oil weight for my SR5.

 

[Sixthirteen]

I believe it is the normal sound on startup. Ive asked other owners and they say its normal to be loud as long as it quiets down after its warms up.

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

I believe it is the normal sound on startup. Ive asked other owners and they say its normal to be loud as long as it quiets down after its warms up.

My 2012 sounds the same way. Same engine. Sometimes resembles a diesel school bus lol. Over 150k miles, bought it with 58k. She's never missed a beat. These engines are very stout. 6 bolt main bearings, over engineered internals and cylinder sleeves. Apparently they can handle a lot of boost if done right.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=GYDvbaSuZWHyo_j0&v=Qkwh3TBvjaw&feature=youtu.be

 

[98Gate]

You are gonna love it

 

[TheAccountant]

Great looking car all around

 

[kishstl64]

Mine does it briefly in the wintertime but pretty quiet when it's hot out.

 

[RESP1]

It could be a fuel-injector tick. The 1GR in 5th gens uses high-pressure, multi-hole injectors that make a fast, metallic “tick-tick-tick.” You’ll hear it strongest at idle when hot, especially standing near the wheel wells.
This is totally normal and disappears under throttle because the exhaust and intake drown it out.

It could also just be VVT-i actuator chatter. When oil thins out at full operating temp, the cam phasers can sound like a soft clatter at idle. As long as it’s not harsh or rhythmic knocking, it’s just the VVT-i system doing its job.

Have fun enjoying your new Runner!

 

[ndimmick]

Welcome!

 

[92sil80]

great find

 

[Lovin4Runner]

Enjoy your car.