Hey everyone,
I recently imported a 1999 Toyota Prado with only 30,000km on it, equipped with the 2.7L 3RZ engine, here in the States. It's been in great condition overall and has performed well during the 5,000km I've driven since getting it. However, after a couple of thousand kilometers, I started noticing a faint but noticeable ticking noise coming from the top end of the engine. This noise persists whether the engine is cold or warmed up, though it's most apparent during acceleration or at higher RPMs. I've been racking my brain trying to recall if I heard it right after delivery, but knowing myself, I think I would have noticed.
I'm currently trying to diagnose the issue myself and could really use some advice and help on this. I changed the oil about 1,000km after receiving the car and swapped out most of the fluids, using a 10W40 synthetic blend. Being a bit of a perfectionist, I've done quite a bit of research and found some insights from various forums.
Many suggest that this ticking might be normal for the 3RZ engine, since the valvetrain tend to be inherently noisy. while others mention it could be due to loose valves that need adjusting. However, I'm cautious about tightening them too much and potentially causing damage. Some have also mentioned it might be related to low oil pressure or even a crack in the exhaust manifold, though I find that unlikely given the car's low mileage.
I've come across suggestions like using fuel injection cleaners because the injectors are also normally noisy apparently, or even just drowning it out with loud music, but ignoring it isn't really my style. I'm determined to find a solution because I don't think the car should tick like this.
I took it to a local import shop, and the technician suggested it might be piston slap, advising against spending too much trying to diagnose it. However, I'm willing to invest to get to the bottom of this issue because I'd rather not just ignore it.
I'll attach a video link so you can hear the noise for yourselves. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.
I recently imported a 1999 Toyota Prado with only 30,000km on it, equipped with the 2.7L 3RZ engine, here in the States. It's been in great condition overall and has performed well during the 5,000km I've driven since getting it. However, after a couple of thousand kilometers, I started noticing a faint but noticeable ticking noise coming from the top end of the engine. This noise persists whether the engine is cold or warmed up, though it's most apparent during acceleration or at higher RPMs. I've been racking my brain trying to recall if I heard it right after delivery, but knowing myself, I think I would have noticed.
I'm currently trying to diagnose the issue myself and could really use some advice and help on this. I changed the oil about 1,000km after receiving the car and swapped out most of the fluids, using a 10W40 synthetic blend. Being a bit of a perfectionist, I've done quite a bit of research and found some insights from various forums.
Many suggest that this ticking might be normal for the 3RZ engine, since the valvetrain tend to be inherently noisy. while others mention it could be due to loose valves that need adjusting. However, I'm cautious about tightening them too much and potentially causing damage. Some have also mentioned it might be related to low oil pressure or even a crack in the exhaust manifold, though I find that unlikely given the car's low mileage.
I've come across suggestions like using fuel injection cleaners because the injectors are also normally noisy apparently, or even just drowning it out with loud music, but ignoring it isn't really my style. I'm determined to find a solution because I don't think the car should tick like this.
I took it to a local import shop, and the technician suggested it might be piston slap, advising against spending too much trying to diagnose it. However, I'm willing to invest to get to the bottom of this issue because I'd rather not just ignore it.
I'll attach a video link so you can hear the noise for yourselves. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.
