I have an 88 truck with 22re.. 80k miles, but the PO alledged that the timing chain and head and all that was new. Who knows, right? Anyway, when I start it cold, it makes a rattling noise for 2 seconds or so.. not so much when it is started warm.. Is that normal lifter noice or does it have something to do with the timing chain?

 

If you have never looked at the motor I would pull the valve cover and check it all out. Just for peace of mind.

As for your situation... What oil filter you using? That usually happens because of the timing chain tensioner waiting for oil pressure. Having the proper filter, OEM, with a check valve could significantly reduce that noise and the length it happens for due to holding oil in the filter after shutting off rather then draining out.. It won't kill your motor. But, OEM filter on yer next oil change may help. And they are only 5$ at toyota.

 

I always use Mobile 1 products. Never thought about the check valve thing being the source of the problem. Mobile says they are installed in their filters where the manufacturer recommends it... I already have the oil and filter for a change this week. I'll buy an OEM and see if that makes a difference.. Thanks!!

 

The noise is your lifters. If they are making noise it's usually better than them not making noise. No noise means the valves are too tight. This can lead to valves not fully closing which means burnt exhaust valves. My lifters made noise in my 22R-E when I first got the car, so I went in to do an adjustment, and it turns out they were too tight! I loosened them to spec and guess what? They make more noise now than before. I have yet to see a 22R-E with a stock valvetrain that didnt clack with good adjustment. As for the clacking being worse at startup, the valves are the last thing in the engine to get oiled. The clacking should lessen once oil pressure rises, as that is the point when the valvetrain starts getting oil.

Hope that helps.
-Shawn

 

All set. Just did the oil change with OEM filter and it started with no noise. Must have been the oil bleed back leaving part of the system dry. Took off the valve cover yesterday just to peer in there and it looks pretty much like new. I guess the PO wasnt kidding. Really nice!

So.. Now I can sell it with good conscience. I'll put an ad up here soon.

 

For what it's worth, 22R-E motors don't actually have hydraulic lifters.

 

I recently had the same dilema with a "91" 4 runner.The driver side timing chain guide was in the oilpan.Researched the start up noise and the consensus was even with a good anti-drainback valve in filter these engines have tendency to drain back over time.The filter being inverted contributes to this.I installed a trans-dapt re-locate kit and the start up noise went away.Steel backed drivers side timing chain guide should prevent Guide problems if you have this in yours.