Help diagnose clicking sound upon startup and first 35 seconds of driving

[70deluxe]

I have a 2000 TLC. 168k miles. Overall it is in good shape and has been decently maintained by previous owners. I have had it for less than one year and 5k miles.

Recently I have noticed a "clicking" sound that occurs when you start it and immediately drive it. If you let it warm up a minute or two before driving, no clicking sound.

The clicking sound follows the pattern of the RPMs--low RPMs = slower clicking sound. Higher RPMs = faster clicking sound. After about a minute of driving (maybe less), the clicking sounds goes away only to return if you turn the car off and let it sit for a few and start it up and drive it again.

Took it to a local shop (not a LC specialist) and was told "it sounds like engine might be slow to build oil pressure."

Put in some BG epr 109 and let it idle for about 15 minutes and drained oil. Then put in some BG MOA with oil change. Clicking sound still present.

I know it's tough to diagnose based on the description, but thought I'd run it past all the experts. Will try and post some audio tomorrow.

Thanks.

 

[bjarnep]

crack in exhaust manifold?

Exhaust Manifold Leak

 

[WillW]

^ Yep.

 

[04gto]

Yep, cracked exhaust manifold. The reason it goes away (or becomes inaudible) is because the metal in manifold heats up and expands, thereby closing they crack. It will get much worse soon. Also because of the pressure difference you risk broken/bent exhaust valves as well. You should get it repaired asap. Good luck with the repair.

 

[TheForger]

I would agree as well. Does it sound like it might be coming from only one side of the engine? That would tell you which one you will need to replace.

 

[BnvS]

Yep, cracked exhaust manifold. The reason it goes away (or becomes inaudible) is because the metal in manifold heats up and expands, thereby closing they crack. It will get much worse soon. Also because of the pressure difference you risk broken/bent exhaust valves as well. You should get it repaired asap. Good luck with the repair.

So does the manifold repair cost a lot? do they typically just replace the manifold? or i guess it depends on where the cracked developed from right. I would think the manifold itself is somewhat of an expensive part.

 

[WillW]

So does the manifold repair cost a lot? do they typically just replace the manifold? or i guess it depends on where the cracked developed from right. I would think the manifold itself is somewhat of an expensive part.

They aren't that expensive, and you can get DT aftermarket headers which add 20+hp. It's the install that is time intensive, but not hard to do (unless you have AHC). Because it is time intensive, it will cost a lot if you get it done at a dealership.

 

[04gto]

So does the manifold repair cost a lot? do they typically just replace the manifold? or i guess it depends on where the cracked developed from right. I would think the manifold itself is somewhat of an expensive part.

I have seen actual dealer quotes for replacing both sides (including all parts) on a Land Cruiser for $2500-$2800!. A good indy shop should be under half that. Considering that the OEM manifolds and a good set of aftermarket 'headers' (Doug Thorley etc) can cost about the same, I would replace both sides and go with the headers. You would have peace of mind knowing both sides are solid. Some extra horsepower and fuel efficiency wouldn't hurt either.

 

[loeky]

Confirmed on cost estimate as in the other recent thread I cold called a dealer in LA for an estimate and they were at $3K for parts/labor.

Up to you on which path to follow, but agree indicates a crack.

 

[70deluxe]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my inquiry. Much appreciated. This forum is tops. Thanks again.

 

[bpe3]

It will get much worse soon. Also because of the pressure difference you risk broken/bent exhaust valves as well. You should get it repaired asap. Good luck with the repair.

Mine has been ticking on start up for 40k miles. No known issues. Hasn't gotten worse. Still runs like a top. I keep telling myself that I'm going to get it fixed at the next oil change, but other fixes keep cutting in line. Timing belt is trying to elbow its way in right now (198k on truck; last changed at 101k).

bpe3

 

[04gto]

Mine has been ticking on start up for 40k miles. No known issues. Hasn't gotten worse. Still runs like a top. I keep telling myself that I'm going to get it fixed at the next oil change, but other fixes keep cutting in line. Timing belt is trying to elbow its way in right now (198k on truck; last changed at 101k).

bpe3

Wow you have gotten lucky. But you are likely losing out on some MPG's and some torque. That is annoying when you say to yourself "I am going to fix this next week" and other stuff keeps happening, like parasites. Next thing you know weeks or even months have passed by.