Noisy valves in a '00 Corolla - looking for information

[Marcos Santiago]

Hi all,

I have a 2000 Corolla with the VVT-i variable-valve timing technology. Over the last few months, the car became noisier and I believe it’s the valves. At idle or low RPM the motor is quiet, but under acceleration (or “under load”, like going uphill) it makes noise… not a “tick-tick”tick” noise but more like a rattling, growling noise. The car doesn’t have a tach, so I can’t tell exactly when the noise starts (RPM wise). One thing is for sure, the noise coming from the motor wasn't at this level before.

I have never adjusted a variable timing engine before, and I am looking for information how to do it. Os is it better to just let the dealer do it? Anyone knows how much is the going rate for adjusting the valves? I am located in Toronto Canada.

Thanks so much for any comment / information

[Braddale]

I have a 2000 too, and when it was about a year old it started making the same type of noise.....the problem turned out to be the serpentine belt tensioner making the rattling sound...almost sounded like spark knock..

It is a common problem...have that checked first before they start messing with a valve adjustment....

[ganda1f]

Could it be the timing belt tensioner? Or was it just what you were saying Braddale?
I asked about the timing belt tensioner in this thread http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t146220.html

[retiredat44]

What is the mileage? What is the service interval stated by dealer or factory for that part? I would call it very serious and get on it ASAP before it breaks and leaves you stranded. UNless it turns out it's just noisy, which does not sound right.

[Marcos Santiago]

Thank you all for your comments. This is what happened:

The dealer inspected the car and found a problem with the exhaust. There was a leak between the exhaust system pipe and the exhaust manifold (just behind the engine). The union between the two has screws holding them together. These screws got loose and went missing... there’s a round gasket in there that had to be replaced.

So… at idle, the car was quiet, but under acceleration it would make all this noise - that I didn’t recognize at exhaust related. Total cost to fix at the dealer was around $270 (including Canadian taxes of 15%).

This is the first repair to the 2000 Corolla that I have to do. Other than this, I had only had to pay for scheduled service (fluid changes). The car has now 115,000 kms (around 72,000 miles).