4 Cylinder hydraulic lifters going out?

[jkapano]

I got a 1999 Camry with the 4 cylinder motor. I have this annoying clicking noise that's rpm dependent, meaning that every time the car shifts gears the noise will get louder or quieter accordingly. I'm thinking that maybe one of the hydraulic lifters has gone bad, or that maybe I need some valve train adjustments. Any other places that I could look for this noise besides the head? I know it's not rod bearing because this motor has had this loud clicking noise for some time now.

[JohnGD]

These engines do not have hydraulic lifters. They use shim-bucket adjusters.

You first need to determine where the noise is coming from. A mechanic's stethoscope works well. If it's coming from under the valve cover then it's likely to be valvetrain noise. You don't put the stethoscope on the cover itself, but on the head near the cover.

Also check the injectors. They're known for clicking as well. You don't want to go through a lot of work and then just have dirty/sticky injectors.

$5.99 stethoscope:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=41966

If the noise is coming from the block probably bearings and other things like that, then it's more involved.

Originally Posted by jkapano

I got a 1999 Camry with the 4 cylinder motor. I have this annoying clicking noise that's rpm dependent, meaning that every time the car shifts gears the noise will get louder or quieter accordingly. I'm thinking that maybe one of the hydraulic lifters has gone bad, or that maybe I need some valve train adjustments. Any other places that I could look for this noise besides the head? I know it's not rod bearing because this motor has had this loud clicking noise for some time now.

[jkapano]

glad to hear that the car doesn't have hydraulic lifters.

I recently put a breaker bar up to various parts of the engine and put my ear to the other end of it and it seems like the sound is coming from the head. If the camshaft needs shimming the only way to do this is to take the cam out right?

also I've heard that the ac compressors on these cars like to make noise as well. Is this true?

[JohnGD]

Yeah, a breaker bar or screwdriver work too (be careful of your hair/clothing).

If AC compressor is rattling it's easy to tell. Just shut it off.

The cam doesn't have to come out, but you'll need a bucket depressor tool: http://www.alltradetools.com/EN-2913.htm

Check your local parts store's free loaner tool program to see if this is available.

Originally Posted by jkapano

glad to hear that the car doesn't have hydraulic lifters.

I recently put a breaker bar up to various parts of the engine and put my ear to the other end of it and it seems like the sound is coming from the head. If the camshaft needs shimming the only way to do this is to take the cam out right?

also I've heard that the ac compressors on these cars like to make noise as well. Is this true?

[iwannanSC]

I have an '01 with this same clicking sound. jkapano, did you ever determine the cause?

[chronoti]

mine had this before if you search here for valve tick it will come up normally just some dirt/sludge that gets caught in the valve area causing it to stick and make a ticking noise, seafoam will most of the time get rid of it.