Engine Ticking Noise in Idle

[WTI]

I got a 2003 Camry 4cyl with 100k miles and its been running a bit rough lately. I changed the spark plugs and its running a lot smoother. The steering wheel no longer shakes but there is a ticking noise when the car idles. (goes away when you accelerate) Trying to figure out what it is found this video of a celica that sounds just like my car:

You Tube

You Tube

Anyone have something similar? Is this a lose timing chain, valves, manifold leak?

[Importz]

I have the exact sound!.. Anybody know whats the problem??

[BlackCamSe]

Those are your fuel injectors pulsing. It's normal bro.

[WTI]

The problem is its a bit louder than it used to be, and it has trouble accelerating below 2k rpm.. still feels slugish, and i don't really like driving a diesel.


I have some carborator cleaner and an exhaustive list of stuff i'm gonna check:

partially clogged EGR valve, fuel injectors
dirty throttle body
air filter
leak in intake or exhaust manifold ( or vortex baffle?)
tension pulley on timing belt
loose timing chain
bad ignition coil
valve lifters
dirty fuel filter
transmission fluid... and torque converter
loose belt on alternator

[BlackCamSe]

The 2az has a timing chain. Do you notice any smoke or any type of coolant loss? Have you checked compression? This engine has a tendency for head bolt failure.

[WTI]

So i just cleaned the throttle body since it was really dirty. I put the key in the ignition, car starts like its about to die for 3 sec while choking on the carborator cleaner fumes and then it revs like a mofo. Success!


I found another problem though, rusted exhaust pipe near the engine. That's why its so loud. There is smoke coming through the front hood. yikes.


Importz: Here's a thread on cleaning throttle body... but don't use a screw driver like in that picture. I just used some piece of plastic covered with a rag not to scratch anything.

How to: Cleaning Throttle Body, Pictorial

[Importz]

Originally Posted by WTI

So i just cleaned the throttle body since it was really dirty. I put the key in the ignition, car starts like its about to die for 3 sec while choking on the carborator cleaner fumes and then it revs like a mofo. Success!


I found another problem, though rusted exhaust pipe near the engine. That's why its so loud. There is smoke coming through the front hood. yikes.


Importz: Here's a thread on cleaning throttle body... but don't use a screw driver like in that picture. I just used some piece of plastic covered with a rag not to scratch anything.

How to: Cleaning Throttle Body, Pictorial

Thank you WTI.. I will try it out this weekend...

[WTI]

Here's what the car sounded like before the throttle body cleaning

You Tube

You Tube

that weave cylinder at 0:36 is leaking exhaust fumes into my hood for some reason.
Is it supposed to leak?

[Agent556]

WTI, sounds like you got an exhaust leak.