gohawks

I have a 1988 4Runner (3.0, auto). When the vehicle is cold the engine purrs like a kitten. However after driving for long distances there is a noticible knock/flutter/tapping when accelerating from a stop. Nothing noticeable once vehicle is up to speed, just at low RPM's when starting from a stop.


I searched and found some posts that may or may not be related. Mine is specific to the engine being warm after an extended drive. Nothing real metallic sounding or REAL loud. Really somewhere between a knock and fluttering sound seeming to come from the passenger side of the engine.


Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

TRunner

I would check valves. Sounds like one of your even number valves is lose and under load makes a whispy (due to air leaking) knock (due to it being lose).