it's got 165k miles on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uwukAYrWBg

Some info:

1. I adjusted the valves. It sounded like this before and after the adjustment. The adjuster screws are old, so maybe I'm not getting an accurate adjustment, but I can't be sure.

2. As far as I know, it is on its original timing chain. It sometimes rattles a bit when I first start it and then the rattle dies down in a second or two, so maybe the tensioner is going. I plan on replacing the timing components next weekend. On the other hand, the chain and guides looked fine when I had the cover off, and a stethoscope on the timing cover sounds pretty normal.

3. When I put my stethoscope on the valve cover cap nuts, I can hear a *tock tock tock tock* sound. It's far more distinct on the intake side, and a little louder/clearer on the front one. I'm 99% sure that my valve cover is not on too tight. A stethoscope on the cover itself doesn't sound like much.

4. The EGR valve seems to be ticking when I put the stethoscope on that.

5. A stethoscope anywhere else doesn't really sound like anything. Valve cover, head, block, oil pan, timing cover, fuel injection unit... nothing. There's just that distinct 'tock tock tock' on the intake side valve cover cap nuts and a bit of a ticking in the EGR valve.

What do you think? Valves? Injectors? Timing Chain? Exhaust leak? Something on the lower end?

 

Since you're going to be doing the chain... hold off on everything else until after that.

Otherwise, if the valve stems aren't pitted where the adjuster contacts, I think the noise is rocker arms and shafts, and there is nothing you can do to get rid of the noise except replace the arms and shafts. And then you'll have to figure out why they wore out.

 

After watching a bunch of videos of different 22RE's, now I'm leaning toward this just being how they sound. I'm not used to all this clattering. It's a little unnerving.

It doesn't help that the seal or boot or whatever that the steering shaft runs through from the cabin to the engine compartment is worn out and i can see through there. Noise from the engine compartment can come right into the cab. What's that called and where can I get a replacement?

 

22re = noisy, rattly, ticking, never runs 100%, but just keeps running.

x2 on "Otherwise, if the valve stems aren't pitted where the adjuster contacts,"
when you are adjusting the valves just unscrew the adjusting part untill it comes out, the bottom should be smooth, they get pitted from running the engine out of adjustment, and having the valve beat on it. If they are pitted then you need to change it to get a true adjustment. If it is bad try to get the replacement off of another toyota head, alot of the aftermarket ones don't last long even when they are properly adjusted.

 

My '93 sounded twice that bad at 150K miles, even after adjusting the valves 4-5 times....then I readjusted them a little tighter and it made a world of difference.... Try tightening them to about .007" in. and .011" ex. when hot.