Clacking sound when idling - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

toyotatifft · 05-04-2005, 10:57 AM

The Vehicle: 1997 Tacoma 4x4, 2.7L engine (3RZ) with automatic transmission and AC.

The sound(s): I've got about 81,000 miles on my truck. Over the past few years I've noticed a clacking sound from the engine when idling. It is more noticable when the colder the engine. The dealer mechanic told me it was due to normal piston ring wear and that it would not cause a problem and it does go away once the enigine is warmed up.

But, last night I changed my oil, and noticed what seemed to me a different clacking sound when idling. When I increase the RPMs it goes away completely. I'm wondering if I should be thinking about adjusting the timing chain. I've heard they can stretch and clack around sometimes. I've also never done the check of the valve shims like is supposed to be done at 40,000 mile intervals. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

***humanoid*** · 05-04-2005, 05:29 PM

Check the exhaust manifold. Some bolts may be loose or (gulp) a cracked manifold.

lawnboy1200 · 05-05-2005, 04:18 PM

im not 100% sure but i didnt think that the 2.7l I4 had a timing chain, but instead a timing belt that is self adjusting (i may be completely wrong so everybody else let me know if i am lol). im thinking its the valves clattering a little before it warms up, my 89 22re does that until it runs for about 2 minutes and warms up a tad. hope this helps!

snowboarder2359 · 05-05-2005, 10:27 PM

check the timing chain dizawg. good luck

O.G. · 05-07-2005, 10:22 PM

You should also concider checking your torque converter bolts on your flywheel .

ger · 05-09-2005, 05:42 PM

Hi All,
I had the same problem with my 94 with a 22RE.
What happened was after many many miles the timing chain had
stretched and broke the chain guides. This let the chain to start
waring on the side of the housing and wore thought to the water
jacket. The oil system sure got all foamy. I had a buddy weld the
housing back up for me. Bought a new chain and guides. It wasn't
to hard a job to do. Now have 390K on the truck. Just finished working
on the emission system.

ger

toyotatifft · 06-27-2005, 09:39 AM

My 3RZ-FE has a timing chain tensioner that looks like it can be removed from the outside of the vehilcle. Does anyone know anything aboutthis?