Its not very loud but always there, i did search and the only thing i hear is timing belt. anyone ever have lifters get a little slacked? i hear they are hydraulic, but it sure sounds like lifters. anyone out there with any tips? i'm gonna read through the haynes manual tonight.

 

The 3.0 is a noisy engine, usually a little noise is nothing special, just the sound of gas being guzzled

 

My 3.0 did this ever since I got it with 100k miles. It even got a new shortblock, adjusted valves, plus the timing belt and waterpump replaced, however it still ticked. It is just normal. My 3.4 has this same tick, but I am pretty sure its just the vsv for the emissions. If you search for "ticking" you will find a lot of info.

 

Check the firewall plug at the steering shaft. It's common for it to wear out leaving a hole into the engine compartment, letting all that ticking into the truck.

 

Yep, spend $700 at the dealer getting the valves adjusted before I figured out that $15 fix.

 

okay well that solves that, the haynes manual said the valve job is a challenge, i'd think it'd cost more than 700 at a dealer.

 

I have a T4RRM that goes through the valve adjustment if you need it.

 

check for exhaust leaks as well, I had a very small leak in the pipe near the manifold. i could only hear it under acceleration. made it a real bear to find in the driveway! (it made an almost clicking sound, like injectors/valves)

 

Man, wish I had known that before I spent $450 to get my valves adjusted Oh well, live and learn I guess!

I might look into that firewall plug just to quiet things down in the cab.

 

Are you sure it isn't the injectors? They're always loud on the 3.0!

 

i second the exhaust leaks as well, have midas perform an free inspection for ya..... there is a gasket in the front of mine that was leaking.... after it was replaced the 'ticking sound' went away

 

My 96 Tacoma was missing a bolt in a header flange that was causing a leak and making an annoying ticking/chugging noise under acceleration.. I replaced the bolts and nuts tightened everything up and locktited it and no more noises... now I just have to change my throw out bearing...damn annoying squeeking bull crap.