Engine Ticking Noise

I know that these engines are normally quite loud upon initial startup when it is cold (and sometimes when it is warm). However the noise I am getting when it is cold, seems to be more pronounced than what others are getting.

This is a 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7l with 142,000 Miles

This noise only happens when it is cold outside BUT it will happen when the motor is up to operating temperature as well as when it is cold. It usually has to be below 40° F for the noise to happen. Also the noise is sporadic and will only happen randomly. I have no heard the noise in a while as it is warm here now, but after searching through Youtube, I found a Tundra noise video with the SAME NOISE.

The video is an exact replica of the noise I get.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHf8NAaPGo8

and this one too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQK9HRAZJvE

What do you think is it normal?

 

I'm assuming you checked your oil level, and that you are using the correct viscosity. The "normal" noise is more like a diesel rattle than a tick. If you are hearing a rhythmic ticking sound that doesn't go away on warm up. It might be cause for mild concern.

 

Oil level is good and I use Mobile1 5w-20 weight oil, regardless of the season or temperature.
Thinking about 5w-30 as 20w is not very viscous at all.
What does anyone else think?

 

One of two things off top of my head..

One lifter sticking somewhat. But my money is on an number 2..

Two the Teflon on the chain guides shot(wore out) and the guides need to be replaced.

 

Go buy genuine Toyota synthetic oil from the dealer and do an oil change. Seems these engines are sensitive to the exact type of oil. Even if you use the exact oil weight/viscosity, it can still make that ticking sound (for instance the Mobil 1 fuel economy version).

 

Mobile 1 is what Toyota recommends.

 

That is an interesting thought, it is definitely possible, however I am wondering if the noise would be at a greater tempo, since it has so many revolutions. The noise is gone for now, but it comes back in the cold weather, so I figure that the noise would be constant, regardless of weather if it had something to do with the timing chain. However I will look into it.

See I have heard that synthetic Toyota motor oil is nothing but Mobile1 Synthetic in a different package. I have heard about that advanced fuel economy stuff, but will not ever use it, it is just less viscous oil, which offers less resistance to the motor turning, which will grant very slightly better fuel economy. At the expense of , maybe, more wear to the motor, 20w is already pretty thin anyway. I use Mobile1 High mileage. However I will look into the motor oil thing again, as there is a lot of misinformation out there!

 

Sounds more like something is slapping. On my 2004 F150, the cam phazers were going bad and it developed a loud tick which was very common for that year. But what quieted it down was going to a heavier oil, 5w-0, I believe. The cam phazers causing the tick were higher up in the motor and the lighter weight oil was just too thin. Anyways, that was just a band aid fix, you really need to have this checked out, that is definitely not normal.

 

I am going to take a video of what it sounds like now in the 80° weather. It does not have such a pronounced noise as the one in the videos now, but in the colder temperatures it does.

 

OP, did you find a solution? The links you posted no longer work so I’m hoping you found your answer.

Here is a video of mine.
2013 Tundra 5.7 FFV 108k. Oil changed every 5k with 0w-20 Mobil one synthetic and OEM filters.

I’ve owned the truck since new and I’m used to the normal valve train noise. This started on mine less than a week ago and seems to be getting worse.

Is this video similar to your problem?

https://youtu.be/T0hlRCSjsrg

 

Thats not normal at all. Lifter tick???

 

As a general observation to sound issues like this, you can use your phone and a sound analyzer to locate more specifically where the sound is coming from.

I used the free version of this app (iPhone) last week to verify the idler pulley assembly was bad and causing my engine squeel (08 Sequoia).


You slowly move the phone in areas of the engine compartment/elsewhere and watch for spikes associated with the sound of curiosity. A selfie stick is also useful. High squeeks will be on the high end of the spectrum. Clunks will show up on the mid/low end.

 

Did you ever figure this out? That sounds a whole lot like mine is sounding. I think I’ve got it narrowed the front driver side area, and it’s down low somewhere.
It comes and goes and isn’t really consistently timed.

 

I replaced the Mobil 1 with Toyota brand oil from the the dealership and the problem has been gone now for over 2k. Im sticking with OEM oil from now on.

 

ok, so you’re issue definitely isn’t what I hear. Mine is something external and louder than lifter noise is.

 

I have the exact same noise as @J.A.T.O. I’ll try the Toyota oil next oil change. Thank you. I’m pretty worried It’s a timing chain issue.

 

More phosphorus & zince to help coat/protect metal parts from each other. I especially like the mobile extended performance high mileage. see specs attached. essentially this is what toyota is having bottled up for it to use/sell.

 

Have the same problem with my Tundra intermittently in the colder months. Has been much less pronounced since switching away from the advanced fuel economy Mobil 1 and actually just switched to Pennzoil Platinum but have not had a winter with it yet. Last winter was not bad, started using a little Marvel Mystery Oil occasionally which helped clear it up. From all the research I've done I think the noise is the hydraulic timing chain tensioner not getting enough oil pressure on cold start up and letting the chain slap. Again, the MMO has seemed to help, dont know if cleaned up something inside the hydraulic tensioner or what.

 

others have fixed ticking from lifters by using the correct spec, Toyota oil. I just read a thread yesterday where the person had been using mobil 1, had noise and ticking and moved back to toyota oil and the noises went away.

 

I see that a lot have mentioned that their problem was when it’s cold or during start up. Mine started in June (Tennessee) and would make the noise all day long while driving.

 

i still use 0w-20 the 5w-20 is to thick for me, are VVTI and high tolerance engines need the thinner stuff. thicker oil will actually cause damage to are engines if they are healthy do to oil starvation on start up.

 

so beside that we seem to have loud injectors , the other ticking noises are either 1.) the injectors got louder 2.) exhaust leak around the manifold 3.)sticky lifter/s and the most dreaded is 4.) piston slap

if it doesn't sound like a tick and more of a hard tick when cold and after warming up goes nearly 100% away , maybe a slight vibration coming from the engine and a noticeable un-normal use of oil its piston slap.

but i find it interesting that one video showed the passenger side , i'm curious how many all hear it the most pronounced on the passenger side?

 

Mine was for sure on the passenger side and was pretty persistent though not constant either.

We tracked it down to a bad alternator,replaced the alternator and silence!

It was tough to narrow down too due to where the stupid alternator is located but once decided it has all been good.

 

coming over from TW and dtill using a 2nd gen tacoma for a work truck I've gotten used to a certain level of engine tick.

 

now that i think of it i haven't herd mine since i replaced my alt with a 300amp H.O do to other things.

 

J.A.T.O my tundra is making the same noise on the passenger side did you find the problem

 

You read too much internet. The difference between the two is insignificant unless your driving in Antarctica.

 

Switched to OEM oil instead of Mobil 1 synthetic (the one that mentions Toyota On the bottle) and the problem hasn’t came back yet. Ticking stopped immediately. It’s been approx 5k miles now and is still quiet as new.

My understanding is that Mobil 1 makes the OEM oil buts adds extra zinc and something else for the Toyota blend.

 

Just had this same noise on my ‘12 Sequoia w/200k miles. Definitely from the oil filler area and increases intensity when oil cap is removed. Going to try oem oil as previously mentioned by others. Hope this helps. I’m in Michigan it was 14 degrees when I first noticed.
Any updates from you guys?

 

Problem solved. Used Toyota brand oil!