Puttering Sound - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

CCMphysician · 01-03-2010, 01:38 AM

I have a 1995 Toyota Camry XLE that has run beautifully ever since I've owned it. Recently, however, I have noticed a puttering sound that occurs when I accelerate from park (so it's only at a low speed). The sound is transient and seems to only appear when my steering wheel is turned (as when I pull out of the driveway). It is sort of a puttering sound (almost like a gas) and comes from the right side of the car under the hood. As the car warms up the sound also seems to disappear. For example, if I have been running my car for a while and turn it off. When I come back out to my car and pull out, and the engine is still warm, I can't recreate the sound. What do you think this sound could be? I would be very appreciative of whatever your thoughts are, no matter how small. I think I have an idea of what it could be, but I'm going to withhold my answer so as not to bias yours. My specialization is in medicine and even though my undergraduate degree was in engineering, it was in biomedical and chemical engineering, and therefore I don't consider myself an expert on vehicles. I have a lot of student debt and I am trying to avoid expenses. Is there anything preventative that can be done?

Thank you for your help,
CCMphysician

***eyeball96*** · 01-03-2010, 06:19 AM

Flex pipe maybe?? Thats the only part I know the "putters" in the engine bay, when it go's bad, but it hard to say for sure by your description

If your in or near Richmond, I know a honest mechanic that could recommend that may help you with the diagnosis tho!

bigbird · 01-03-2010, 02:08 PM

sounds like it may be a leaky exhaust manifold gasket. when the sterring wheel is turning there extra load on the motor and when the engine is cold the exhaust gaskets may have gaps as they expand as they warm up.