Ticking Noise - 1KZ-TE

[Tock Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Tock]

Guys - I have spent a fair bit of time searching and reading other threads, but I am still struggling with this one in terms of best approach or finding an exact match for my issue.

I have a ticking noise that started a couple of months ago form the engine. Some details:

• engine approaching 200,000km
• ticking noise is worse cold, and gets slightly quieter warm - always audible in cabin
• tick is directly linked to throttle input - i.e. accelerate hard and its gets louder and more frequent
• take your foot off the accelerator (even at high revs) and the noise is gone
• noise is barely there if you are at a nice, constant rev without having to accelerate or speed up
• recent oil change seems to make the noise slightly quieter (could be placebo)
• engine doesn't seem to have any power loss or issues, no smoke, no warnings, etc.

I have been to a mechanic who was not sure what the issue was despite working on plenty of these cars - their approach was to try replacing the injectors first, and then try looking at the valve shims and related. They did not sound confident, and it was more of a "this is all we can think of" scenario. I also called Toyota (assuming they will obviously have seen it) who wouldn't make a guess at the problem, but will happily charge me $135 to check the issue and quote for repair.

Before I go down this path, can anyone offer some suggestions on how to further diagnose the problem so I don't end up dropping loads of cash on best-guess work, or potential dealer rip offs?

Cheers.

[t303 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close t303]

If all the simple stuff like belts and idlers have been ticked off, then perhaps a compression test to see if you have a broken ring or some other piston/mechanical problem. Oil analysis might help as well to see whether you have high iron or other metals which can point to possible rings/pistons/ bearings problem. Can you isolate the affected area with a stethoscope or long handled screwdriver to the ear?

[Tock Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Tock]

Yeah have tried the screwdriver trick - problem is that the noise isn't there at all from what I can tell unless you are under load/driving/pulling.
All belts, etc. have been checked as well. May just have to bite the bullet and take it to Toyota to diagnose without having a general idea of the issue.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Changed the glow plugs?

Or did one fall apart?

[Pradolot Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pradolot]

Are you sure it's the motor? I have very similar sounding problem in my petrol acompanied by a wooping viabraty noise. I've located the problem I'm pretty sure it's the bearings in front diff. To check put in neutral chock wheels, jack front up and turn drive shaft, if feels/sounds bindy or has any movement up and down at diff end it's time for a locker
Mullins

[Pradonut Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Pradonut]

I had more of a 'rattle' in mine unfortunately different symptom to you. It was more noticeable when backing off but not there at idle.
When I changed the timing belt I found the tensioner pulley pivot bolt was well worn.

[Davis Dieso Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Davis Dieso]

Bit strange being a diesel, but its all the symptons of piston slap in a petrol engine. Suggest loosening 1/2 turn on each injector one at a time and see how the noise goes. If noise stops on one, thats the problem one.
Be careful about the fuel spraying around. Wrap a bit of rag around the fitting.
Should make the noise just by giving it a rev stationary.
Good luck, Jamie

[scottkz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close scottkz]

Bit strange being a diesel, but its all the symptons of piston slap in a petrol engine. Suggest loosening 1/2 turn on each injector one at a time and see how the noise goes. If noise stops on one, thats the problem one.
Be careful about the fuel spraying around. Wrap a bit of rag around the fitting.
Should make the noise just by giving it a rev stationary.
Good luck, Jamie

this is interesting bassicly turning one cylinder off
! will keep that in mind when im diagnosing my engines