The 1zz-fe is a bit nosiey, did you just notice this noise? Are you sure it is the lifters and not the injectors? If you suspect a lifter noise and it really bothers you, a heavy 30 weight oil like castrol syntec (german 0W-30) or M1 0W-40 will help a bit. How many miles on your 03? Every have the valve clearance checked or the exhust checked for leaks? Does this noise change with other brands or gas? What brand of oil filter do you use? Does this only happen in the winter? Might want to try fuel injector cleaner and a thicker oil before you check the clearance.

 

I have an 05 corolla thats been noisey for the last 35,000 miles. Use Pennzoil yellow bottle 5w 30 oil since new. I tend to agree with the other poster that the engine is noisey especially in cold weather. When I get time I am going to change out the oil control valve filter and see if it helps.

 

I have 130,000 miles on the motor and use a Fram oil filter. Have never had the valve clearance checked yet.Not sure about changing to a heavier weight oil since I live in Wisconsin and it gets pretty cold up here in the winter.

 

I just wanted to add this little tidbit of info I seen on the news today. Honda issues recall on its element vehicle. Seems the motor is noisey due to deffective valve springs that can break. Sure hope toyota and honda don't have the same supplier of valve springs.

 

When I get time I am going to change out the oil control valve filter and see if it helps.

Ok, I've been driving a long time but I've never heard of a "control valve filter" what does it do and where is it located? It says its $16.99...

I've got a 04 with 140K and in the winter sometimes it gets a little noisy like a low rolling tapping sound till it warms up, but other times it's so quiet I don't even know my car is running, what I don't like is the high idle at startup, I can actually travel 20 mph without my foot on the gas pedal till it warms up:ugh3:...I use M1 10/30 with a napa gold filter

 

Oil control valve filter located on the left front of engine block. Its there to protect the oil that goes to operated the vvt-i system. For the life of me if I was designing this engine and it had a filter it would be alot easierto change. The way they designed it it appears it is suppose to last for the life of the engine. Now tell me what filter do you know of that never needs changed?

 

There is no such thing as a lifter on an overhead cam engine. Excessive valve clearance is the source of any valve train noise unless something is broken.

 

If theres something between the cam lobe and valve-stem-tip.... its called a "lifter".

 

1zz fe has shimless bucket-type lifters (tappets)

http://kit-car.org/Files/Engine/1zzfe.pdf

13751-22040


http://www.corolland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/17102-adjusting-valves-on-1zz-fe/page__st__15

I am betting the sound he hears are the injectors.

 

You can have hydraulically operated lash adjusters in an overhead cam engine, but lifters are for pushrod cam in block setups.

 

If you're hearing an almost diesel like clatter on light to moderate acceleration until the engine warms, it's piston slap. The pistons aren't entirely round to start with, as they heat up, they expand to fit the bores properly. As they age, they do gain some clearance and you hear the pistons rocking in the bores during the power stroke.

I have many 1ZZ cars at the shop where I work that rattle quite loudly until hot. Most are at 170k to 200k+. And yes, they all use oil by this time.

 

1ZZ-FE (DOHC) does have solid (not hydraulic) shimless bucket-type lifters. They're available in 35 different marked thicknesses of 0.02 mm increments from 5.06 to 5.74 mm. Some original lifters are in 0.01 mm increments.

I adjusted all 16 valves at or close to minimum spec at 100000 miles with 7 new lifters, and by switching the other ones around. I had a couple exhaust valve clearances at near maximum spec which could be heard ticking. The others were closer to middle of range, and all the clearances had increased since my 65000 miles check.

There's always a bit of piston slap noise before it's warmed up, especially in sub-freezing temps. It still runs perfectly and takes about 1/3 quart per 5000 mile oil change (Pennzoil Platinum synthetic 5W-30), now at 134000 miles.

 

1ZZ-FE (DOHC) does have solid (not hydraulic) shimless bucket-type lifters. They're available in 35 different marked thicknesses of 0.02 mm increments from 5.06 to 5.74 mm. Some original lifters are in 0.01 mm increments.

I adjusted all 16 valves at or close to minimum spec at 100000 miles with 7 new lifters, and by switching the other ones around. I had a couple exhaust valve clearances at near maximum spec which could be heard ticking. The others were closer to middle of range, and all the clearances had increased since my 65000 miles check.

There's always a bit of piston slap noise before it's warmed up, especially in sub-freezing temps. It still runs perfectly and takes about 1/3 quart per 5000 mile oil change (Pennzoil Platinum synthetic 5W-30), now at 134000 miles.

Hey man, are u sure that ALL 1zz-fe motors use a solid lifter setup??.... because i was told that they are hydraulic (but also need adjusting). Thanks.

 

With my valves adjusted at 100K miles, engine is still very quiet, smooth and efficient at 152K, and doesn't sound like a sewing machine at all.
Some overhead cam engines have hydraulic lifters as did my Neon 2.0 SOHC, and someone's godforsaken VW 1.8T 20V DOHC on which I replaced 12 bent valves, etc.

 

Solid lifters dont stick... only hydraulic lifters can "stick"!... whats wrong with u people!?

 

Yup. All 1ZZ-FE use solid lifters. Take it to another shop for a second opinion.

Invader, I've never heard of OHC engines using hydraulic...I'm gonna have to look that up!

 

I dont trust you... u dont seem to know what you're talking about!.:headbang:

"INVADER"!!.... write back!

 

You're right. Good luck with your car.

 

LOL! The 1ZZ-FE does in fact have solid bucket type shim-less lifters.

 

Not to add fuel to the fire but like Zembonez states Toyota does technically refer to "lifters" as "lash adjusters" which is a better term in my opinion anyway.

 

Toyota only refers to them as VALVE LIFTERS in their 1ZZ-FE service manual and parts catalogue, because that is specifically what they are.

Solid, bucket type shim-less valve lifters are replaced to adjust valve lash (clearance)... They are NOT hydraulic lash adjusters, and there are NO valve lash adjusters in the 1ZZ-FE.

Please thank me for extinguishing the fire. :thumbsup:

 

Right you are.

 

I sometimes say lifters out of habit. I think the real issue may be is a sticky vvt-i camshaft actuator or a partially plugged OCV/screen effecting the camshaft position, resulting in a tick.