2AZ-FE engine noise - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

laphan · 05-29-2006, 10:49 PM

I noticed that my engine (5K miles) is making something like a ticking noise when I accelerate (more obvious when I stomp the gas pedal). It sounds like spark knock but I think its not (because it has constant frequency and doing it at all rpm (and less obvious when under 2K rpm)). I noticed that when I open the window today. Just wandering if all 2AZ FE is making that noise or its only mine. Nearest dealer is around 120 miles from my place so I don;t want to waste time to send it to the dealer if all camry are making that noise.

marc780 · 05-30-2006, 01:27 AM

Well i think spark knock doesnt tick, its more of a rattle. And this engine has a knock sensor anyways. So i doubt its preignition (spark knock), i think it might be normal valve tick. (EVERY 4 banger i ever had - and thats 6 of them - made this sound.) Since i cant actually hear the noise i can only guess this is the problem.
I would just keep track of the noise and take it up with the dealer next time.

white3ch0c0late · 05-30-2006, 01:49 AM

Its normal. Thats the timing chain making that noise, in addition to the noise created from when air passes through the 2AZ intake manifold because of the way that its designed. Also, like marc780 said, valve noise added to the forementioned noises, and you have yourself a 2AZ.

BigDaddySweets · 06-29-2006, 08:21 PM

My 99 Camry 4Cyl 5SFE acted the same way. About 4 months later, it got worse. Ticking is loud and occurs across all RPMs now. Of course, it's worse at higher RPMs. Also, engine will die when coming to a stop "occassionally." I've pulled the Exhaust camshaft (not the intake yet) and found everything to be in spec. Valvle lash for Exhaust and Intake is good. Sound at 800rpm matches speed of timing light. This makes me think it's in the "upper end" or in the timing belt area. I have only 69,000 miles, good maintenance, and no sludge (at least not on top). Mechanic calls engine a "total loss", but he appears to be motivated by laziness (didn't disassemble any components) and/or greed (engine replacement quoted at $3,000.

BTW, the symptoms you described were identical to mine for about 4 months, the latest concerns happened suddenly and 3 days later I parked it to begin diagnosis. I will update you if I find anything of value.

I suggest you continue looking for answers, just in case.

Big Daddy

islandboy57 · 06-29-2006, 11:55 PM

Same here, it's the timing chain. I first noticed the noise on my friend's '99 Corolla - which is one of the first Toyotas to use a chain instead of belt.

marc780 · 06-30-2006, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Valvle lash for Exhaust and Intake is good. Sound at 800rpm matches speed of timing light. This makes me think it's in the "upper end" or in the timing belt area.

Another possibility - hope not, but - the noise could be a broken piston ring. One way to isolate which cylinder is making the noise, run the engine and one at a time, remove the plug wire (or spark plug coil pack connector) - if the noise changes, a piston ring could be broken on the piston in that cylinder.
Sometimes it may be possible to just remove the head and oil pan, remove the piston out the top, and change the ring. That is IF the broken ring has not damaged the cylinder wall or the piston itself. But of course, if all other possibilities have been checked out, you might want to take it to a shop and see what they think.