very loud valve tap on 1zz fe

[Kaiser01]

I have a 2005 corolla s with 115k miles. I change the oil every 5k. Recently I started hearing a loud tap under the hood. I stopped at a gas station to check it out. The dipstick was out and I was a quart low I was only 2 miles from home so added a quart of 5W30 & headed home, by the time I got home the tap was very very loud. I check we the compression everything checked out. Check the valve clearance ex was .009 across the board the intake was .007 on all but one which was .006 inches. My haynes manual seemed to print the correct valve clearances but I saw one for an older model and they looked very close. The sound is louder when it fiest starts up and quiets down once the car is warm but as soon as i step on the gas it gets just as loud. I would like to bring it to the dealer but scared to drive also wanted to see if there might be something with the vvti or something off the wall any help soul be greatly appreciated

[mikered30]

Check the serp belt for deflection.

[Kaiser01]

Originally Posted by mikered30

Check the serp belt for deflection.

Yeah that was the next thing after the oil
I wish that was it

[dorman68]

Check your belt tensioner. I would remove the serpentine belt and run the engine (for no longer than a minute as the water pump is now not rotating) and see if the sound goes away. If it goes away with the belt off then your tensioner is the culprit.

[Kaiser01]

Originally Posted by dorman68

Check your belt tensioner. I would remove the serpentine belt and run the engine (for no longer than a minute as the water pump is now not rotating) and see if the sound goes away. If it goes away with the belt off then your tensioner is the culprit.

no go on the tensioner good idea though
The sound is much louder then I've ever heard from a belt. I am almost 100% it's internal
Especialy after removing the belt
Thanks anyway

[dorman68]

Originally Posted by Kaiser01

no go on the tensioner good idea though
The sound is much louder then I've ever heard from a belt. I am almost 100% it's internal
Especialy after removing the belt
Thanks anyway

I was hoping that would be your problem as it would of been an easy fix. After eliminating the belt tensioner from your diagnosis I would probably suspect a timing chain or guide issue.

[Kaiser01]

Thank to mike I just found out my exhaust clearance is off .001" the specs say it should be .0098" and mine are all at .009. Two questions
1. would this cause a very loud valve tap
2. Would you think this is the lifters or cam or something else all together

[new echo owner]

That amount is not going to cause noise during cold start, I would suggest look into or think about changing the timing chain tensioner. The tensioner would be more likely to cause a short rattling noise during cold start, and often times there wouldn't be any further noise until the vehicle has sat overnight or for extended period of time.

N.E.O.