Can you take a video of the noise.

 

Is this a manual or auto trans? Under what conditions do you notice engine vibration, when idling or all the time? At what RPM does your engine idle? If the engine is running right and idling at the correct RPM you may be needing new engine mounts.

When do you hear the ticking, at idle, when driving, all the time? Is it possible that the ticking sound is coming from the exhaust manifold? You've probably owned the car for some time so I'm sure you're used to hearing ticking when the engine is cooling down.

 

Is this a manual or auto trans? Under what conditions do you notice engine vibration, when idling or all the time? At what RPM does your engine idle? If the engine is running right and idling at the correct RPM you may be needing new engine mounts.

When do you hear the ticking, at idle, when driving, all the time? Is it possible that the ticking sound is coming from the exhaust manifold? You've probably owned the car for some time so I'm sure you're used to hearing ticking when the engine is cooling down.

It is and auto trans. I noticed it while car was idling. I just noticed the ticking while hood was up idling.

 

I believe the valve to cam clearance is manually set on these engines. Have you have the clearances checked and adjusted?

 

I have not had the valve clearances cleared or adjusted will take a look at it. Thanks.

 

Good call Ron. It never occurred to me that the ticking the OP hears might be from the valve to cam clearance. This is not a common issue but with 217,000 miles on the car it makes sense that it could be. It might also explain the engine vibration.

 

Valve clearance is supposed to be checked every 60,000 miles.
OP might be way overdue.

 

Yes, I believe the check is an audible one, but if there is valve noise, then they are supposed to physically measure clearance. Have not done it on these engines, but on my Yamaha bike, there are interchangeable shims that you switch to get the clearance within spec. You can find the spec in this excellent post.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...a-1st-gen-matrix-2003-2008/316157-9th-gen-toyota-corolla-maintenance-guide.html

 

My $0.02:

See post on 0W-20 weight oil use:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...h-gen-corolla-1st-gen-matrix-2003-2008/828674-0-20-motor-oil-3.html#post7931874

So....if you're using lightweight oil, perhaps choose heavier next oil change and see if it still ticks OR get newer radio or just put snow tires on, you may not still be bothered by noise.

 

My car stopped the ticking noise and the engine stopped the vibrating. I think that I may have gotten a poor grade of gas in my car. Running smooth now. Will upgrade to the 5w 20 Synthetic oil next change of oil.