The other night I was sitting in my 4runner (1987, 22re, 5spd) for just a few minutes while it was warming up at a normal idle and out of nowhere it made a sort of "click" and started to whine. It's soft and doesn't seem to change in volume or pitch when the rpms are increased but it does it all the time now. It certainly sounds at the front of the motor and I adjusted the belts thinking that might be the problem, but not so. It runs just fine and nothing else seems to be affected. I had a new timing chain put on last week (along with guides and tensioner) and I'm concerned this may be related. Searching "timing chain whine" and related topics on here didn't shed much light on the situation. Maybe someone has some insight for me? Thanks!

 

I had the same issue awhile ago mine turned out to be the water pump, It made a high pitch whine while warming up and when I would shut off the engine you could hear the whine slow down until the pulley quit movin'. Good Luck

 

Mine does it only in the winter when cold and it is my PS pump. Goes away when warmed up though.

 

Well, I feel a little better knowing it may not be the timing chain. I replaced the water pump last spring, so I doubt that is the problem. I suppose I shouldn't be too worried as long as it's running normal? I'll monitor it, maybe talk to the guy that put on the timing chain for me and follow up here. Thanks for the input!