Why has my car started making a light tapping sound when idling low - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

GRANDE,GRANDE!! · 03-31-2010, 06:35 AM

It started a few days ago. I cant hear anything when im driving or pressing on the accellerator, but when the cars warmed up, and i leave it in park or hold food on the brakes when in drive, i can faintly hear a continous tapping sound. its not too loud, but loud enough to be heard if you roll down the windows and listen when theres no cars around

Oil level is full, trans oil is full, coolant is full and no leaks of anything anywhere? However i did notice the oil is darker then usual. Other then this, its a beatuty. Idles fine, won't miss a beat.

What could cause this? & is it dangerous to drive in this condition?

It's a GEN 3 V6 96'

Judge2 · 03-31-2010, 07:24 AM

It is hard to diagnose an engine from a description of the sound. So let me guess: The tapping sound goes with the speed of the engine, then think valve sounds. Sometimes changing oil will be enough. Other times you need to have the valve lash adjustment done. Maybe do both, change the oil, and when you get a chance have someone check the valve clearances. Just my guess, wait for more opinions from other forum members.

carsrus · 03-31-2010, 08:01 AM

Could be something as simple as a loose exhaust heat shield etc. Check the underside of the car and the engine for anything rattling.

GRANDE,GRANDE!! · 04-01-2010, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judge2

It is hard to diagnose an engine from a description of the sound. So let me guess: The tapping sound goes with the speed of the engine, then think valve sounds. Sometimes changing oil will be enough. Other times you need to have the valve lash adjustment done. Maybe do both, change the oil, and when you get a chance have someone check the valve clearances. Just my guess, wait for more opinions from other forum members.

The sound does go away with the speed of engine - exactly right.

When i checked my oil last, the car was running and the color was lighter...

I checked it today before i started it and it seems very very dark. I'm hoping an oil change will solve it.. if it dosent, how much would a valve adjustment roughly cost for the quad-cam V6?

Thanks

Rattlin_Steele · 04-01-2010, 10:29 PM

I once had a sound that occurred much like you describe that drove me crazy trying to figure it out. Although it was clearly not the sound of a lifter tapping, I'd still describe it as a tapping/ticking sound. Turned out to be a bit of the edge of the timing belt had frayed off and was slapping around inside the cover. Wasn't as noticeable after getting up to speed for some reason. Never did figure it out until the timing belt completely broke shortly thereafter. Likely not your problem, but thought I'd throw it out there.

GRANDE,GRANDE!! · 04-06-2010, 08:26 AM

One oil change later...

Tapping dissapeared...

Dont neglect your oil changes guys!