I've noticed this for a long time but lately I've decided to ask about it...
(99 Tacoma 2wd 3.4L w/86,000)

My 3.4 seems to make a sort of 'gurgling' noise while idling...it's faint but you can hear it over the engine if you listen. It also makes a ticking noise that seems to get louder/faster under acceleration.
My first thought was maybe a headgasket issue, but my oil level is always full and always sparkling clean. Looks brand new every time I change it (every 3,000 miles).
I've done some reading and it seems like the gurgling I'm hearing is "common" on the 3.4's....but what about the ticking? Anybody else experience this? Anything specific I should check?
Thanks

 

Any mods?

 

No, just a K&N air filter...other than that, bone stock.

 

The ticking sound your hearing could it just be your fuel injectors? which would be normal and mort of the toyota owners seem to think they have the loudest injectors out there....

 

think it could be the lifters tappin away

 

well can i ask you a question about these "funky sounds"...can you dance to them? is it a fast or a slow beat?


haha sorry i had to do it....my engine ticks also but i havent had any issues with it since me or my dad have been driving this

 

Maybe a valve ticking.... may need a valve adjustment? Just a thought....

As for the gurgling... maybe exhaust leak of some sort? Check your manifold gasket....

I donno just some suggestions, kinda hard without accually hearing the noise first hand.

 

The only gurgling sound I ever heard come from a Yota was on my old 89 22re motor.

The water pump was screwed, and it sounded like i had just drained my bathtub.

 

Did this seem to affect the truck's performance? Because mine seems to accelerate fine....I actually almost redlined it on the freeway on-ramp yesterday and it sounded/acted fine.

Are there any other symptoms that go along with needing a valve adjustment that I should look out for?
Thanks for the replies guys

 

Check all your firewall seals (especially steering shaft). When one goes out, it will seriously enhance the engine noise in the cab. I get a gurgling sound every once in a while coming from my heater core.