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Does this 22RE sound normal..

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Old Nov 19, 2025 | 05:49 PM
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'86 Toyota 22RE's Avatar
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Does this 22RE sound normal..

Hi all,

The head to my 22RE was recently gone over by 22RE Raceworks, as we suspected it may have had bad exhaust valves installed when it was rebuilt several years ago. They also ran the fuel injectors through their machine to get them running much better.

My friend (an experienced Lexus technician) helped me put it all back together this last month, but since then, it has much louder valve noise compared to before the work.

My question is: Does this sound like your 22RE?


.


Yes, I know these engines can be loud, but the valve tapping is way louder than it was before.

The only reason I can think of why it is comparatively louder is that perhaps the valves were cranked too tightly before all this work happened, so I was used to an abnormally quiet engine.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks!
[no significant alterations to this engine. deleted EGR)



Last edited by '86 Toyota 22RE; Nov 19, 2025 at 05:50 PM.
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Old Nov 19, 2025 | 06:23 PM
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Robert m's Avatar
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Sounds like it's idling a little fast but sounds like how my old engine sounded.
Did you set the valves warm or cold? And what number did you use?
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Old Nov 19, 2025 | 06:47 PM
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Ok good to know, thanks. We set them cold: 0.007" for intake and 0.011" for exhaust. I know spec is 0.008" for intake and 0.012" for exhaust, but this was recommended by another guy in his shop who has rebuilt many 22RE engines.
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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 06:43 AM
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I'm right with Robert, def seems a like a high idle, but sounds just like my 22re. A Lexus tech is probably used to a much quieter engine.
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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 09:24 AM
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Ok thanks Cory and Robert. Yeah the idle I think is a little fast cause I had just started it up and it's a bit cold.

Actually my friend the Lexus tech thinks it sounds fine, it's just me that notices how much louder it is than it was before.

I might at least check the gaps sometime soon to confirm they're what we set them at. Though I'm tempted to go down to 0.006" and 0.010" to quiet it down. I know there's debate about doing this, and some risks, but man the clackity valve noise makes me feel like I'm driving a forklift. And ha, I know these engines are used in forklifts sometimes, but it's not what I'm used to.

-Rudy
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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 04:56 PM
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I set all the 22RE engines I've had over the years to .007 and .011 because it was noisy at .008 and .012. I would not set tighter if it was mine.

Maybe get a set of Go-No Go feeler gauges and recheck them if it really bugs you. For those that aren't familiar with them, it eliminates the different "feel" each person has when setting valve lash. So to set to .007, the stepped leaf of the set will allow .006 to fit and .008 will not.

Good luck with it!
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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 07:12 PM
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That's a good idea, I was just watching a video on that method. Will do, thanks for the feedback!
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Old Nov 25, 2025 | 06:29 AM
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Here is my OEM crate long block after around 3K miles.


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Old Nov 25, 2025 | 08:17 AM
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Sounds too loud to me. I'd double check the adjustment. .007 and .011 is correct cold. .008 and .012 hot is a little more accurate to factory specs
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Old Nov 25, 2025 | 09:19 AM
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ev13wt, that sounds amazing.


mechkw, I agree. I think I will double check the adjustment.


thanks all

Last edited by '86 Toyota 22RE; Nov 25, 2025 at 09:22 AM.
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