Hey everyone,

I have a 1988 4runner with the 22re (170k) that the PO rebuilt. I got a good deal on it about a year ago because there was a ticking sound coming from the engine. I first thought the valves needed adjustment, but I got them done and it didn't really help.

The problem is, every time I start my truck cold, it runs great and has decent power (for a 22re) until the engine heats up and the temp gauge starts to rise from the baseline. At this point, a ticking sound starts up. Its decently loud, and I can't figure out what it is. Once the ticking starts, I seem to lose a little bit of power.

I think that I have isolated the sound to the front of the engine (around the front of the valve cover gasket), but don't know for sure what it could be or how to go about figuring out whats wrong.

So I come to you for help. Sorry for all the rambling and thanks in advance for any suggestions.

ps. I've searched around on YT for a solution, but can't find anyone with the same problem.

 

Before you drive it anymore, take the valve cover off and make sure you still have timing change guides!!!
Also, drain your oil and make sure there are no pieces of anything in the oil before they clog an oil passage and starve a rod or main bearing of oil!!!!

 

I changed the oil about a month ago... and it was clean. Would Meineke not have noticed really worn timing chain guides?

Will I need to replace the valve cover gasket if I open it up? I was thinking that maybe the wrong gasket (too thin) got put in by the PO and then Meineke didn't change it.

 

whos Meineke?
Its possible "Meikeke" could have missed it. Its also possible they could have broken between when you bought it and now. I wouldnt drive it until I confirmed it had good t-chain guides and there was nothing floating in my oil.

 

You wont necessarily need to replace the gasket. If it breaks/ters and/or it doesn't look good, then do. Otherwise you don't NEED it. It would just be a good idea. I never did in the 4 or 5 times I adjusted valves...but I probably should have

Also, are you SURE the valves were adjusted correctly?

 

I'm not sure they were adjusted correctly.... But I had Meineke (http://www.meineke.com/) do the adjustment. It cost a lot so I'm hoping they did it right...

So a too thin gasket wouldn't cause the ticking? If its only ticking when its warm, that means its not a rod knock right? I've never heard a rod knock in person before and I don't exactly know what it sounds like.

BTW thanks for the help

 

Oh Meineke. Duh me sorry I thought it was a person you knew..
haha

uhm. I almost don't think a too thin of gasket will cause a tick. They also could have tightened the valve cover too tight and now the rockers are tapping on the underside of the cover. The 4 nuts holding on the VC should be slightly tighter than hand tightened. As in, screw them on until you start to feel resistance. Then tighten them maybe 1/4-3/4 turn. I know there is specific torque ratings, but off the top of my head I cant remember.
Either way, take the valve cover off, see if there are any indication of the rockers hitting the VC, check to make sure you have timing chain guides, and make sure nothing is floating in your oil than can cause harm.

Heres what my '88 22re sounds like with some sort of rod knock. I didn't know what a rod knock sounded like in person until I posted this sound clip a few weeks ago:
http://s286.photobucket.com/albums/l...nt=22re001.flv

 

Ok cool. I'll check those things....

Hmmm My tick sounds like that except a little tinnier (higher pitch) and not all the time. Does yours do that all the time?

 

4cly toyota motors are loud. the only quiet one i have heard had the valve clearances WAY under spec.
injectors and the valves (from the valve cover or sounds like from the spark plugs) are like a mini diesel.

 

I would agree for the most part. My '93's valves were LOUD! I adjusted them so many times, with different gaps. Something was probably just out of whack though. My '88's valves are surprisingly quiet. What you hear in the video is something in the bottom of the engine, like a main or rod bearing. Yes, it sounds like that all the time. Im not driving it anymore. in fact, I have it for sale. You should try and get a sound clip if you can.

 

Ok, I'll try to get a sound clip tomorrow when it's light out. I understand that 22res are loud, I just don't understand this intermittent ticking. Haha. Thanks for the help.

 

haha. Of course. Do what you can.
I almost think its something with the chain. 1) you said it sounds like its coming from the front area. 2) It does it when its warmed up. The chain tensioners are regulated by oil pressure, I'm pretty sure.
From my experience, the valve ticking seems to lessen as oil pressure is built and the engine warms up.

 

Awesome! Hopefully you're right.... Thats a lot better than a rod knock.

 

Ok... I'm impatient... I'll go get some clips now. Haha

 

If you think its a rod knock or something along those lines, run the engine until the sound appears, then put your head under the engine and over the engine, see where its loudest from. It might not tell you exactly but it could help.

 

Shoot.... How do I post a movie?

 

upload it onto photobucket.com or youtube.com. With photobucket you can just post the "direct link" like I did, or with youtube, put "[YOUTUBE][/YOUTUBE]" around it (minus the quotation marks)

 

ok... So this first video is when it is running well right after i started it up.



then this second video is after driving around in the parking lot for 5 min, after the ticking has started.

 

and this third one is longer and has kinda weird sounds.... I think its my camera cause its not exactly what it sounded like, but you can still hear the ticking.

 

That really doesnt sound very good....
check the timing chain and everything...
It almost sounds like mine..but I can't say for sure it is.