i have been trying to figure out what is ticking from my 90 4Runner. I thought it was the lifters so I tore the thing apart and reshimmed all the valves, None of them were to far out of spec, after I put it back together it still ticks. The ticking noise if much louder when accelerating. Now I am thinking it might be an exhaust leak. I removed the exhaust manifolds and used some high temp sealant on the gaskets but that didn't help. I can hear the ticking coming from the engine compartment, and also from the exhaust pipe itself. If I get under the truck it sounds like there is a ticking coming from the cat. I have felt around as much as possible with my hand but can't feel any leaks. I would really appreciate any help you guys can offer, I'm stummped.
Thanks

 

What engine do you have? Toyota has notoriously loud injectors. Use a stethascope and see if you can rule them out.

 

I used a stethascope to listen to the injectors and that wasn't it. It is the 3.0

 

Could be the fuel regulator, Injectors, wrist pins, depends on what area of the engine bay its coming from.

 

interesting i have the same sort of problem...after rebuilding i had a ticking so i reshimed but that didn't stop it. I thought I just reshimed wrong but the ticking is still there...so does anyone have a solution..I have also ruled out my injectors

 

Sounds like it could be the valves sticking.

 

worst case is a spun bearing allowing enough free play in the connecting rod allowing the piston to make contact with the cylinder head... yeah i had to deal with that. pull the oil pan and check your crank. its possible to fix with a crank kit if your heads arent too damaged as mine were. good luck, hopefully this isnt the problem, i ended up putting a whole new motor in my 4runner.
-andy