Loud Ticking noise from engine

[Noel69]

I have a 2003 UZJ100 V8 cruiser which has developed a loud ticking noise from I think the R/H/R of the engine. I have done a valve lash and compression check and both seem ok (with-in spec)
I Believe that it maybe a lifter but not sure. What happens to a lifter to make it faulty?? as they are not hydraulic lifters. ( fed up with people saying "oh you've done a lifter")
What else could be causing the noise?
Can the belt tensioner fail causing a ticking noise?
Can i check the valve lash with the engine running by placing the feeler gauge under the cam lobe to see if the noise stops to pin point the one at fault?
The noise starts as soon as you start the engine and goes with the revs of the engine. makes no difference if it is cold or hot.

Any info would be great
I have a video with the noise and will upload it as soon as i find out how.

 

[40Habits]

A leaky exhaust manifold is the usual suspect. I have had two different 4.7 Toyota's that had the same issue.

 

[Noel69]

I have extractors fitted so would that make any difference?

 

[2001LC]

Old trick for test for exhaust manifold leak. Spray a little oil or sometime that will smoke when hot on hot manifold (take care not to use something that will catch fire). Look for air/smoke flowing out from manifold leak. I've even pulled the oil dip stick and drip on suspected area.
Note: usually manifold leak (ticking sound) will diminish as engine heats up, but this depends on how bad leak is.

 

[spressomon]

Two notorious motor warm up "ticks" (or "tocks" ): Leaky exhaust manifolds/headers (DT headers included ) and piston slap.

 

[Stylo07]

My '06 has this, too, and it doesn't go away after the exhaust has warmed up. I also had our local Lexus dealership check it out (twice), and they claim zero leaks. I'm worried it's something even more expensive. My next steps are to have my favorite indy shop have a gander.

 

[TW Boegel]

Pull the V belt and eliminate the accessories ....

 

[CA Cruisin]

Noel69, did you ever figure out what your noise was? Are you just living with it? Mine started in Tahoe after 15-degree temp. overnights. Now my '99 does it any time there is a chilly overnight temp. Mine quits after 2 to 3 minutes.

 

[Noel69]

CA Cruisin, Mate I pulled the heads off, checked all the valves and valve springs for any damage and found nothing. After living with the ticking noise for months I finaly "cracked" and ended up buying a second hand engine out of a 2005 UZJ100. I was lucky enough to hear the engine running before I bought it. The old engine is now sitting on the floor in the shed..... might make a beer table or anchor out of it.hahaha

 

[camino70]

Noel, you cracked, not the engine?

 

[2000 LC]

My '06 has this, too, and it doesn't go away after the exhaust has warmed up. I also had our local Lexus dealership check it out (twice), and they claim zero leaks. I'm worried it's something even more expensive. My next steps are to have my favorite indy shop have a gander.

Glad to hear I'm not the only one who's does not go away after warm up. My trusted shop has looked it over and still claims it "closes when warm". Anyone have any evidence letting this go can cause long term damage to the engine?

After my monthly 5hr drive she's still ticking right along!

 

[n55luvr]

Mine ticks constantly from the headers. PO said it did that for several years under his ownership and I've put 15k miles on since i have had it with the noise.

It's annoying but I doubt any long term issues would arise from this.

At times I think I'll throw some DT's on there but they crack too so I may just live with it. The fix seems to be more trouble than the actual issue. I still get good MPG, truck runs excellent.

 

[Noel69]

Just to let you guys know, after i fitted the new engine i now know it wasnt the headers that were making the ticking nosie. I put the old busted ass headers back on and there is no ticking at all now.

 

[2001LC]

All header and pipe flange bolts where tight, and no black lines on old gasket?

 

[silverbullitt]

It's the manifold exhaust gasket. I only hear the ticking sound when my truck sits for a day or so & the engine dead cold. Goes away after a few seconds when the engine starts to warm up.