my 1998 toyota tacoma 3RZ started making this odd ticking noise a couple of days ago. it only does it below 1000 rpm's when its warm. any sugestions or oppinions, cause i'm drawing blanks on what it could be, it has 189,000 miles, and it runs the same as it did before the noise

 

The injectors are inherently loud in this motor, but first thing i would try looking for is an exhaust leak around the EGR/intake manifold area.

 

i already considered that. after getting the truck with the cracked exhaust manifold, and replacing it with a crappy pacesetter header. i listen for exhaust leaks like no other. but that was my first thought, until i noticed that it only made the ticking noise between 650 RPM's (idle) and 1000 rpm. so i don't know. it could be a possibility

 

Are you running the stock exhaust?

There's a support bracket for the downpipe that comes off of the transmission bellhousing, and it has a clamp that holds the exhaust pipe to the support bracket. My clamp was too rotted to keep a nice tight hold on the downpipe, and it would sound just like an exhaust leak at lower RPMS, and while driving.

Might be worth it to check

 

Run some seafoam through the PCV and look along all exhaust connections for leaks, if its not exhaust then i would think its a valve. Its 150k matinence on the 3RZ's. Have you ever had them adjusted?

 

150k maintenance?? I wish man

 

i honestly don't know if the valves have ever been adjusted, my dad bought the truck with 165k, so i'm gonna have to look into that

 

Does the clicking get faster at 1K than it was at 650? I'm guessing yours is a stick, does it go away when you let the clutch out a little bit and the rpms drop (or when you put it in D if it's an auto)? Does it have all the power it should?

 

I got a ticking valve at ~152k in this truck and another at ~135k in my 96 2.7 4Runner. Doesnt seem irrational that it should be done around that time to keep everything tight.

 

get ur valves adjusted....wouldnt want to burn a valve on your motor....the heads get pricey to replace or work on. Wouldnt hurt to throw in a new timming chain too. runsomeLucas through the injectors....a few times a year, this did a good job of quieting the injectors on my 3rz.

 

You just further proved my point....no clearances checked until they failed

60K- Toyota Recommended
30k- I Recommend

 

Sure did PismoJoe. I had the same truck as you single cab with the TC kit....I was always having problems with my 3rz...i blame it on always winding out the motor....sure wish i had my own valve shim kit.....I got a truck i take to pismo and romp. I live in SLO message me if you want to meet up there and run the Yotas.