I have a 1997 4Runner SR5 with 160K miles on the dial. About 5K miles ago I started to hear a kind of soft cracking / rapid ticking sound coming from the left front of the engine bay. Now it is a little louder, and starting to worry me

This sound is only when the engine is under stress, like going uphill or pulling away.

There does not seem to be any loss of power, smell or smoke, and I cannot replicate the sound when idling or revving with the hood open or closed.

The fluids all look good, it is not burning or using any oil. The plugs all look good and there does not seems to be any damage to the wiring anywhere.

Any Ideas?

 

Possibly an exhaust leak? Is it an auto or 5spd?

 

it is a Automatic

 

if its an automatic, check the flex plate.

 

Indeed, its a fairly common problem.

 

oh boy do i know that now. just went through the flex plate nitemare.