Engine noise

[Runemaul]

Hey gang.

I've got a ticking comming from the passenger side on my '03 'trix with the 1zz. It does it at idle, and when you are at a steady cruise, but most of the time it goes away if you are speeding up. Under hard throttle, it does start ticking again around 5k RPMs or so.

I've taken it to a toyota dealer, who said my spark plugs were 'melted'. I swapped the plugs, and nothing changed. (Thankfully I got my $ back for this BS diagnosis.)

Do you know what might be makeing this noise? It's a metallic sounding, ticking/clattering noise. I'd not drive the car, but it's my only one and I gotta work, so... I've seen no decrease in mileage, power, etc. and no smoke from the tailpipe that I have seen.

Any help would be great.

[mattliston]

check your oil, and if its fresh looking and at the proper level, it may be time for a valve adjustment if your motor doesnt use HLAs

[Runemaul]

Forgive my lack of knowlege on the toyota motors, but what are HLA's? I know a bit about engine work, but I'm not real familiar with the 1zz.

Engine oil looks good, had it changed about 1k ago, and it was clean, and about 1/4-1/2 a quart low. (Mobil High Mileage oil, 4k between oil changes)

If it is a valve adjustment, how hard is it to do? I've a good set of tools, and I've done things like assembled a 350 SBC from parts, so I've got decent hands-on skills.

[mattliston]

HLAs are Hydraulic Lifters. they usually replace the nut/bolt adjustment for valve-to-cam lobe clearance.

I do not know if toyota uses them.


they are self adjusting for valveclearance, so HLAS only need good clean oil at the proper level at all times, adn tehy can sometimes go 100-150k miels before needing to be revived.


revival is easy, though a pain.

I would imagine if your motor is like the one in my brothers 91 2.2 liter celica, its the normal bolt and nut for adjustment, adn thats easy as pie to do with teh right manaul.

go to teh dealership and ask for clearance specs, if you cant find a good manual



If they are HLAs, you can PM me and Ill point you to a nice rightup. its on one of teh mazda miata forums and goes over access to HLAs, proper cleaning, and proper re-oiling.


Again, toyota might not use them, I have no idea.

[mattliston]

Here is an example and good read for HLA setups.

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/6209.aspx

[circuitsmith]

The 1zz uses replaceable tappets that come in different sizes.
The valve clearances are measured and thicker or thinner tappets are swapped in.
Measuring the clearances is a moderate DIY job, but changing tappets means lifting the cam out.

How many miles on it? The book calls for checking clearance at 100K or 120K miles.
I plan to check mine at 60K.

I doubt that a tick that come and goes is valve clearance.

There is a valve in the evaporative recovery system that makes a ticking sound when active. Should be easy to find when the engine is idling.

[mattliston]

it actually is possible for a valve tick to come and go when you are out of adjustment.