hey guys maybe you can help me on this....recently my engine started to knock....and i don't know what the cause is so i thought you guys could probably tell me so i know what to pay ahead of time so i can fix it.

 

What do you mean by knocking??? How many miles on the engine? Where does it knock from ( top, bottom), Is it a rattle like valves chattering or a specific knock? Need More Info

 

sounds like the knock is on top and the engine just broke 149,000 so yeah...im not sure what it is....i do know i need my valves adjusted...if you need more info just let me know.

 

Well, have you had the timing chain done? They ussually last between 100k and 150k (yes some even go longer). Off the top of my head that would be my first guess... or maybe your valves just need adjusting. Was the noise there over time, or all at once? Sounds to me like you broke a guide and the chains "rattling". hope this helps some. If you don't mind getting dirty, just pull the valve cover and look down the front (timing chain cover) with a flashlight to see if both guides are there.

 

well now that you mention it...i took the truck to a car dealership to see what he would give me for it and he even said the timing chain needs to be replaced...but im person i don't believe those guys cause i was always taught that they will say anything to anyone just to make a dollar you know? but i dunno he could be right.

 

Yeah, he was probably right. You should really get it done soon if turns out to be what it is. Trust me on this one... you don't want it to break and cause damage to your head/ valves. It is a pricey job if you don't want to do it yourself.

 

is it possible that it could be a connecting rod? just wondering.

 

since it could and i hope the timing chain...how much longer would you think it will last before it snaps? cause it just started to happened and i have did a couple 50 mile drives back and forth the past couple days and i need to go to tacoma tomorrow so would you all think it would be safe to drive it? thanks

 

When it could snap: any time
Should you get it done soon: yup
It may make it a while but after the guide/s go it's just a matter of time, plus without the guide you risk the chain rubbing through your timing chain cover and getting water in oil/ bad stuff happening.

 

ah alright thanks for advice flecker...also is it possible that it is a connecting rod or no?

 

Yeah, it's possible... hard to tell without being there and hearing the noise or looking. There's one way to be sure... rip off the valve cover and look Good luck

 

OK, just so I'm clear here, you're not talking ping? First sign of timing chain 'slack' (due to tensioner or guides) is start up noise...chain rubbing sounds which go away after oil pressure builds up and tensioner 'pops' out. I went through at least 4 timing chains on my 510 (yeah, I drove that wagon a LOT) and it was always the tensioner to go as well as well worn guides, and I don't recall any knock. Chains were really stretched (never had one break) and on my last change, I waited too late and the chain 'skipped' while driving and pushed some valves through my head! (My best head with big valves ported and polished...) I was sick...found a stock head, took off the duals and ran a 32/36 until I sold it and got my Runner.
When do you hear the knocking sounds? Hard acceleration? Going up hills? I'm sure chains can go longer than that...not sure about those weak guides though...

 

Butnut: the knocking sound starts right when i start the truck and continues till i turn off the truck...

 

Sounds bad. If your truck is running real crappy too, the chain could have jumped a tooth or two already and timing is screwed up. Time to do that chain change before you run into more problems. Good luck.