I have a 1998 T100 with the 5VZ-FE V6. OK. I was going down the freeway when my #1 plug blew out threads and all. I limped home and hurried to remove the head so my machine shop friend could expedite getting it all fixed so I could put it back together. What I didn't know was the camshaft had the preloaded gear on it so I didn't put a bolt in it when it came apart. After learning about this in the middle of my machine work, I preloaded it by hand, put a bolt in it to hold it together, and assembled it with the gear preloaded. After starting back up I have a ticking noise from that area. I haven't pulled the cover off yet to verify but I know every lifter cap went back into the exact spots they came from and other then that the only thing that changed was the head being shaved. Is it possible the preload on the gear isn't working correctly or has anyone preloaded after the fact and had it work?

 

what your explaining sounds kinda like valve tick. did you adjust the valves after dissassembling and re-assembling that head? It souldn't have changed but if it did, that would probably be the source of your problem.

 

No valve adjustment was done and it seems to quiet down a bit once the engine warms up and gets oiled up.I have entertained the thought of having the valves adjusted (I don't want to do it)

 

Well...if you don't measure it to find out fer sure...yer gonna probably have to live with the valve tick.

Something else to consider is the exhaust heat shield crack that "ticks" when cold/hot. Give that a shot...

 

Never having done it and looking at the manual, it looks like I need special tools to adjust the valves. Is this correct? Is it hard to do if I can find the tools needed? I have the mechanical ability but have never done a Toyota valve adjustment. Lots of Fords and Chevs but no Toyota.