my 92 22re makes a ticking noise strikingly similar to the noise it made when the timing chain was making before it was replaced. the noise is most prevalent at cold starts, on hills, and when i'm heavy on the accelerator. i removed the valve cover and the guides are perfectly in tact. before i changed the timing chain, i could rev up to 2250 in neutral and hear the ticking noise constantly whereas now, the noise cannot be heard in neutral at all. ideas?

 

Could it be Valve tick? have you adjusted them at all?

 

I'm new to Toyotas so I don't know if this applies, but with other vehicles I'm more familiar with that sound could be caused by your lifters. My friend's older truck does the same thing when climbing hills or putting strain on the engine.

 

the valves were adjust about 12-18 months ago, but very little mileage has been put on since then.

 

Engine Pinging!

 

Probably just valves...mine tick also, but I hear its normal for the 22re and nothing to worry about.

 

i can almost guarantee it's an exhaust leak.

 

really? cuz my muffler is on it's last legs and it could very well be leaking from somewhere else as well. that'd be sweet if that's all it was.

 

that thought had crossed my mind about a month ago. i've been through a full tank of 92 octane with no different results.

 

the reason i think that's an exhaust leak is that it only occurs when the engine is cold(manifold/head aren't expanded and compressing the gasket fully, which helps seal the leak), and under load(more exhaust pressure seeping out). mine's got a nasty exhaust leak from having one of the manifold studs being cracked off, as well as both air injection tube bolts broken off inside the manifold. it's a mess.