Tapping noise. 3.4 5VZFE 2003 287k

Running Genuine Toyota Oil.
Any thoughts on where this tap is coming from?

 

Could be a pulley and exhaust leak

 

I had to put on headphones to listen, it sounds almost like it was loudest when you were on the passenger side hovering over the coil pack. Let me ask you this: Have you tried unplugging the coil pack to see if it stops? I mean, your engine is probably gonna stumble and you'll throw a code if you leave it off too long, but just curious.

 

Check spark plugs for adequate tightness. I just had a super similar noise and it turns out one of my spark plugs was super loose. Definitely replace the coil pack if it’s the same issue.

 

To this point also - if you bought replacement spark plugs on scAmazon, pull 'em all and check em. So many people on here have gotten knockoffs buying on scAmazon (and fleaBay, too) that I'd never trust it. @FirstGenVol, you had one of your scAmazon plugs explode, didn't you? Or start breaking up into pieces?

 

They were from eBay. Close enough.

 

I used a shop vac and blow up the tailpipe, spraying soapy water on the passanger side monifold revealed a leak at the gasket where it connects to the exhaust.
Trying to figure out the part number for this gasket now.

 

You know about the 'how to find parts' sticky thread, right? It'll help you get the p/n.

 

I cracked open the 3 bolts that connect the crossover pipe - just too see if they would loosen ok, then when I tightened them up the noise is considerably less so it seems to be the cause for sure.
If I remove those bolts I don't expect the crossover to pull away to leave room to change the gasket right? Will I need to remove the driver side also? Will that allow me to seperate the joint or will I need to do both sides and then remove the engine mount bolts and jack the engine forward a little?

 

And then this happened on the highway at 60-65 mph.

https://youtube.com/shorts/hdp_cIJR5y0?si=E0t-HfFI-Uf2S43a

The oil in the filter is metal-flaked.

I started a new thread https://www.tundras.com/threads/2003-3-4-287k-broke-a-rod-maybe.140670/