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clicking sound in engine


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amygrindstaff
User

Dec 28, 2009, 5:43 PM

Post #1 of 15 (4871 views)
clicking sound in engine Sign In

2000 Toyota 4runner
3.4 V6
4x4
mileage 106,000

I have a 2000 4 runner with 106,000 miles and two weeks ago on a very cold day it started making a clicking sound (described by some users as a baseball card in a bicycle tire) but only does this when accelerating and the faster you go the faster the clicking sound is. I cannot hear it when idleing. This sound did not occur again until today (two weeks later) and it is very cold. Only in acceleration again and stopped after approximately 10 min. We have checked the oil and it is not low and is clean. the car is not due for an oil change for another 2000 miles. i haven't had this car very long. . any thoughts or suggestions will be appreciated.....Unsure


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Dec 28, 2009, 6:29 PM

Post #2 of 15 (4855 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

Does this only make the sound when driving or can you get the engine to make the noise reving it in neutral?


amygrindstaff
User

Dec 29, 2009, 6:57 AM

Post #3 of 15 (4837 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

Honestly I am not sure.......When I am driving and accelerating it pecks but when I let off the gas, it stops.........the harder I mash the gas the faster the peck is.......but it has only done this to me two times. The first time was two weeks ago and yes I believe it did do it while sitting in the parking lot the last time. So far it has only done this after setting in the cold for approximately five - six hours. I keep it in the garage most of the time. It seems to stop after the car warms up. I called the dealer today who informed me it was 'normal' and it was the fuel injectors doing it. THis was a phone diagnosis only.


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Dec 29, 2009, 9:33 PM

Post #4 of 15 (4831 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

While injectors do make noise you really shouldn't be hearing it inside the cab..

Over the phone or even internet diagnosing can be dicy just due to the fact the vehicle isn't in front of you....

Really the 1st two things that popped into my mind was either a lifter that was losing it's prime while sitting over night, or an exhaust leak. The real only sure fire way to nail it down is to leave it overnight at a shop & have a "trained ear" listen to it..........


amygrindstaff
User

Dec 31, 2009, 10:33 AM

Post #5 of 15 (4822 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

Thanks so much for your thoughts. My first thought was lifter as well. They want $85 to look at it and the sound is untimely, not sure how to be sure they hear it. Wish me luck ! HAPPY NEW YEARS!


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Dec 31, 2009, 12:17 PM

Post #6 of 15 (4820 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

Yea intermittents can be tough....They're like kids & don't act up when you take them in.

One thing you could try on you own 1st since the mileage isn't to high on the vehicle, is to flush the engine & change the oil to see if that helps. They have motor flushes at the parts stores, just put it in the engine, run it for 10 to 15 minutes & then change the oil & filter.

I would take off the oil cap and look inside the valve cover to see if there was excessive sludge build up, it there is, then I would hold off on the flush. In cases with excessive build up you may do more harm than good.

Good luck & Happy New Years to you as well..........be safe


amygrindstaff
User

Jan 1, 2010, 9:20 PM

Post #7 of 15 (4812 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

Well an update to the noise.... it is more frequent and doing it now even when the car is hot. the noise seems to be on the passenger side (i think) and as before, only occurs during aceleration BUT.... it does not make it when in neutral and mashing the gas, only in a pull. just coasting down the highway, you don't hear it but as soon as aceleration is needed it starts. It's very cold here and as soon as I can, we are going to change the oil. It isn't due for another 2,000 miles but.....

thanks !!!!!!


(This post was edited by amygrindstaff on Jan 1, 2010, 9:23 PM)


jason32038
User

Jan 9, 2010, 4:23 AM

Post #8 of 15 (4778 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

Might be an exhaust leak. Has the exhaust gotten a bit louder since this ticking started? Could also be a loose hose on the emissions A.I.R. system.


brager
User

Jan 9, 2010, 4:51 AM

Post #9 of 15 (4776 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

as sugested look at the exhaust especially the heat shields
make sure there not rubing or in contact with the exhaust if that
checks out ok you might have something internaly thats starting
to show some wear or even a lifter thats got a little sludge

NOW if this truck has had its frequent oil/filter changes
done on a regular basis? i wouldent hesitate for a moment
to add a bottle of rislone to the oil just make sure! 1st you
drain about a liter of your own oil out 1st! then add the rislone to your engine and run it

for about 15-20 minutes and drain it see if that helps
keep us posted.


amygrindstaff
User

Jan 10, 2010, 5:01 PM

Post #10 of 15 (4760 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

Just wanted to say thanks for your thoughts....just got a run around from the dealer at this point. the mechanic said possible exhaust leak but then said he couldnt find anything or hear anything...everyone that gets in it hears it, except the mechanics... odd huh.... i am about at my witts end and ready to drive it until it falls apart!!! very frustrating! thanks again for your help....i am still on the search for a cure....


fastcashforjunkcars
New User

Jan 12, 2010, 1:27 PM

Post #11 of 15 (4743 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

Keep the car cool while you search for the leak. As the car heats up, metal expands, which can close small leaks.
Ask a friend to cover the tailpipe to force the exhaust through any leaks. Feel for leaks by running your hand near the exhaust system, without touching it. You don't want to burn yourself on these extremely hot parts.
Isolate the engine noise from the sound of the leak using a mechanic's stethoscope. Listen for the rush of escaping exhaust. You may need to replace the solid probe portion with tubing to maneuver in the area better and hear the exhaust noises.
Inspect the exhaust pipe where it bends over the rear axle, as this is a common area for cracks and leaks. Leaks tend to occur more often on pipes that are bent or exposed.
Start your hunt at the engine and follow the exhaust system all the way to the end of the tail pipe. Thoroughly check all connectors along the way, as these areas commonly have leaks.
Inspect the exhaust manifold for cracking. This may require removing parts of the exhaust system and engine. Cracking and warping of the manifold is quite common, especially with older cars Check the gaskets. This tends to be the most common cause of leaks. If you have an older car, your gasket connecting the manifold to the cylinder head may have cracked during normal use.
Touch rusty areas on pipes and mufflers to see whether the rust is surface or goes all the way through the part. Areas weakened by rust often cause leaks.


No links allowed


(This post was edited by Sidom on Jan 12, 2010, 8:28 PM)


amygrindstaff
User

Jan 13, 2010, 9:09 AM

Post #12 of 15 (4733 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

great tips......THANKS! was a the dealer again yesterday and now they say corroded values from bad gas and easy driving.... told me to use premium and run it hard and see what happens .........BUT he still said it could be an exhaust leak!?!?!? I have had it at the Toyota dealership three times now with no real luck. I put premium in it yesterday and it clicked clicked clicked last night but I didn't hear it this morning.... just no pattern to it I am afraid. I really hope they are right and good gas is the simple fix but I am not holding my breath. I know a tad about cars and to me, and everyone I have described it to, it sounds like a lifter pecking but the mechanic told me yesterday that Toyota 4 Runners didn't have lifters .......

The car is a 2000 Toyota 4 Runner with 106,000 miles. I worried about the high miles but was assured that on a Toyota, 100,000 was nothing to worry about so.... i traded in a Ford with 26,000 miles.. starting to wish I hadn't....

Thanks again for all of the information.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!


amygrindstaff
User

Jan 15, 2010, 8:45 AM

Post #13 of 15 (4720 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

Well the premium gas did nothing......surprised? I am not. At this point I feel like a fool going back to the dealership so I am going to drive the car until something actually breaks.... just not sure what else to do........THANKS EVERYONE for your help and suggestions..............
Unsure Crazy


asleepatdawheel
User
asleepatdawheel profile image

Jan 18, 2010, 2:21 AM

Post #14 of 15 (4704 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

 I would actually not go back to this dealer if they have not gotten some kind of clue after three times... When its cold you might want someone with some experience,, pull the valve covers and see if there are any loose components there... Thats one way to check valve train components for anything not adjusted properly.. Also when checking for exhaust leak,, after startup check then as it get warmer then metal will expand an harder to find leak...
-----------------------------------------------------------

Its not called bragging,, if you can back it up....


amygrindstaff
User

Jan 21, 2010, 7:42 AM

Post #15 of 15 (4690 views)
Re: clicking sound in engine Sign In

NEW TWIST to Toyota saga................
Finally warmed up here above freezing and the four runner hasn't pecked (clicked?) since!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!






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