1991 Camry DX, 3S-FE - engine clatter

[Thunderdonkey]

Hey everyone,

I've had a 1991 Camry DX with 287,000 on the clock for a little over a year now, and have finally bought another car so I can spend some time fixing this baby up (bought her for $500 and keeping her keeps my insurance cheaper, oddly enough). The car is fantastic and will serve a great beater from here on out, so I want to put a little elbow grease in to fix it as much as possible.

In any case, my main concern right now that I'm seeking diagnosis on is some pretty substantial engine clatter that arose after I inadvertently ran it dry (it drinks about a quart every 400 miles). The car has driven fine since, no new vibrations, and still builds power just fine. I just recorded a video after slapping the cam cover back on:

You Tube

You Tube

Am I looking at a lifter problem? Please feel free to give any insight you may have. Thanks!

[Thunderdonkey]

Really? No ideas? Bump.

[91 2VZ]

Sounds like the valves are hitting the pistons.

Or it can be a rod knock.

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Well, eliminate valve/piston diagnoses, because the 3SFE has a non-interference head (the cylinder top is a dome, and the valves sit on top of the dome so that the pistons cannot physically hit them).

Does that horrible clatter go away after warm-up and oil circulation? Or does it always sound like a 1982 Lada?

I would look at rod bearings for a start. Try not to run the engine too much!

[91 2VZ]

Drain the engine oil and check for metal shavings. If you do find them, that means your rod bearings are shot.