Hi all,

Is this normal engine noise for one of these 3.4V6 motors? Runs great, very quiet when cold but gets a little noisier when warm, almost sounds like a diesel. Noise is there regardless of whether in gear or not or aircon on/off. Cannot be heard when driving or revs up. I've heard they can be a bit noisy.

Any feedback appreciated.

 

Its very difficult to determine noise levels without special equipment when I have a volume control, your best to listen to another 5vz-fe, but even that is a questionable comparison unless its a known good motor.

 

Like he said - it's hard to tell much from arecording - the high and low sounds don't get captured with much accuracy.

As a general impression, it doesn't sound quite right. I'd first suspect something on the front end of the engine - like a dry bearing noise. That's pretty easy to diagnose - just pull off all the belts and give each component a spin - see if the bearings feel good and are quiet.

If that's all good, I'd start thinking about perhaps the timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys, or maybe the water pump - it's far harder to get to those.

Or it could be exhaust gaskets. Or rod knock (change the oil and look for sparkly stuff). Or poorly adjusted valves clattering.

 

Thx guys, it's quiet as a mouse when cold, even once off the cold start high idle. It sounds worse in the vid, when you are in the car you can't hear anything. Compared to others I have heard on youtube its hard to say if its anywise, they seem to be a bit noisy! I only noticed it because I was in a drive through with the window down and could hear a bit of noise. Normally I have windows up aircon and stereo on. I think its prob a pulley bearing or water pump maybe. Will pull TB cover off and check.

 

I think I've narrowed it down to either the water pump or the fan bracket? Any ideas on how to eliminate either? There is a fraction play when I grab the fan but not much.

 

That isn't the water pump when you pull on the fan.. That's the thermal coupler for the fan. The water pump is driven by the timing belt and is behind the timing cover.

 

cheers mate, yep I know it’s the fan bracket. Will warm it up and pop the belt off. If it still makes noise prob water pump and if it doesn’t it’ll defo be the fan bracket bearing I reckon

 

What, you've sold your 94' 22R-E 5 speed????

He's right, the fluid coupler is what connects the engine to the fan clutch which moderates the fan speed when the engine is running at a high speed.

 

sadly yes. I hit a deer about a year after the frame repair and motor rebuild and State Farm gave me enough money to walk away. Then I sold the carcass to a fellow YTer who was going to use the engine. Then I jumped to 4Runners after 2 kids and needing something bigger than a single cab pickup.

 

Roger that! That's why I picked up a 2014 Tacoma Double cab for our son to ride in. The single cab with a baby seat is not too safe around here.