chris383

Hey, I just bought my 3rd 4runner, a 98 sr5 with 260k kms on it. Runs great, except the is a ticking from the engine, and its frequency goes up with the RPM. Does this sound like common valve noise? Not sure if its a related problem, but I can hear the ticking intermitantly through the speakers.
Any thoughts would be great

Thanks
Chris

survivorman97

iTrader: (1)

You know I thought I heard ticking once through my speakers too. I didn't really have any loud engine ticking noise but the ticking in the speakers was definitely at the same rate as engine rpm, but it was only for like an hour or so one time. Maybe your wires are bad and a little of the spark is arcing?

prorunner

Ticking from the engine? I'd check the oil.
Ticking from the speakers? Could be some bad grounding on your head unit.

ntoracn

bad plug wires can cause RF noise to be heard from the radio system. AM radio is REALLY sesative to these RF signals. Check your wires for arking with the engine on in a VERY dark place (no lights). Your looking for tiny blue spark leaks from the plug wires.

chris383

Thanks, I'll check the spark, although my old 4runner had this arcing issue when I bought it, and this doesnt seem to be the same. Sounds to me more like valves. anyone have exteriance with the vale ticking issue?

thanks

ntoracn

what engine do you have? excessive valve lash, exhaust leaks are most common source for ticking noise. Some noise has been associated with part of the fuel evap system. make sure your oil is full of clean oil and you have a good oil filter. does it make the noise most when hot or cold or both?

cordrayj1

make sure all ur spark plugs are snug. you can damage the motor if there is a loose one. also, sounds like your electrical needs to have the grounds checked.

4biker

I've done some checking on this, and found that some of the earlier 3.4's have a tick. Mostly it's '97's from what I understand (like mine) - although some with '96's and '98's have reported it too, and it's pretty benign. I've read up on adjusting the valves, and it seems to be extraordinarily difficult on this motor for some reason, and doesn't even always cure the tick. Mine has ticked for as long as I've owned it, and it's never gotten worse (wasn't too bad to begin with, it's just faintly there in the background). If you find anything else out, let me know - I certainly don't want to promote inaction if damage is occurring. Best of luck, and welcome to Yotatech!

chris383

ntoracn: I have the 3.4. The ticking seems to be consistent hot or cold. Oil is fresh, and at proper level.

I'll check the spark plugs tonight

survivorman97

iTrader: (1)

my 97 3.4 has a bit of an intermittent tick too. It's done it for about 100,000 miles now and never really changed.

spokane.yota.man

My 98 just recently picked up a tick from the charcoal canister. Only does it when cold, like 20 deg or less outside, and only at idle. Buy a mechanics stethescope, they work wonders when tying to find noises.

ntoracn

OK, the oil level is good. when standing in front of the vehicle while its running, what general area does the noise seem to be coming from? I wouldn't be concerned about causing more damage just yet, lets try and narrow down the source before we determine if its a real problem or just a "normal" 3.4L noise.

drift_king

my truck recently started ticking, then it turned into a knock, pretty sure its a rod

Team420

Ur injectors r prolly dirty... They tick even when new, so unless it's a knock, I'd just turn the radio up, and call it a day

Cheb

You guys are serious ,plugs, i think my engine is done now and its too late ,im going to check tomorow for the plug, maybie i ˟˟˟˟ed up went i instaled it.

Sorry for my english im french from montreal

Quebecois