tick, tick (ticking) noise

[Dualz]

Hi All,

I have annoying problem that has come up with my 12/2003 TOYOTA COROLLA
(ZZE123R-GHFQFQ).

The only way I can describe the problem is a "Tick-Tick" noise as
you accelerate or idle, it reminds me of the FORD falcons or Fairmont’s Tappid
noise.

This noise comes after the car has warmed up and going, but initial engine
start there is no noise.

I have asked a mate who works in Toyota to ask around about the problem but
his telling me the mechanics are puzzled as they are saying Corolla’s don’t
have Tappid that make noise like that or are adjustable?

It’s really hard for me to explain this as am not that good with mechanics
but have a general idea.

What I have tried is an additive to thicken the oil to see if it’s my oil
being too thin and that it’s not covering the pistons or something.

This did not work
Lifter-Free and Tune-Up . "Does your car engine rattle or make a tick,
tick, tick (ticking) noise

On start-up?

Lifter-Free & Tune-Up will help. It dissolves and dislodges harmful
varnish and carbon deposits that accumulate within and around hydraulic
lifters and cam followers without causing any damage to oil seals or
gaskets."

Can anyone relate to my problem and give me a general idea what I am dealing
with?

Would resetting my ECU help solve this problem or is it completely irrelevant?

Btw I use BP Ultimate (premium) fuel if this helps.

I was thinking of doing a full Oil change and Oil filter etc., but I read
this might be a waste of time or make the noise get worst.

Any help would be appreciated!!

Cheers

Mark

[Noodle Boy]

Hey buddy,

What grade motor oil is in the engine at the moment. I've noticed that running thicker oil gives it a subtle ticking noise when warmed up, though not the case when its cold. I had a falcon and knew what they sounded when they were warming up. Try running a grade 30 oil, it should help since it lubricates all the components better. Running thicker oil is know to make the engine quieter, but creates the vvt-i ticking noise in the sportivos.

Edited July 25, 2013 by Noodle Boy

[Dualz]

Hi Noodle,

Thank You for replying back!.

I currently use FULL SYNTHETIC 5W-30 LONG LIFE ENGINE OIL from Nulon.

I service my car my self every 5k, i change the Oil filter and use a engine flush all the time (Engine Oil Flush).

i did my major service at 100k at toyota, and only after 4 changes it started to happen. Current at 125k so its due for another one but on previous oil changes i have not experenced this tappet noise before.

The noise is excatly like a Ford Falcon's tappets going out or are dirty.

I read on this forum that a oil change may make the noise louder or worst hence i havent dont it yet.

So what i have done to try to and find the problem is use Lifter cleaner Lifter-Free and Tune-Up

which thickens the oil to see if am lacking but noise hasn't gone away.+_+

Edited July 25, 2013 by Dualz

[Kenshin X]

Tappets are usually noisy on the 2zzge. Nothing wrong there.

[Dualz]

Hi Kenshin,

The noise was never there.. this has just come up.

Other Stivo's i come across dont have this problem so to me its not common.

If anyone else has usefull information i'd appreciate the reply :)

[Kenshin X]

performance wise the engine is ok?

[Dualz]

Hi Kenshin

It's a bit sluggish than before but not full on difference.
I just serviced my car on the weekend in a Toyota service centre and the mechanic said it could be the Injectors.

He serviced my car and put 10-30W Castrol, and used engine treatments to flush and clean.

But when i got it back, the noise was still there and now more crisp sound on the ticking.

So maybe my injectors are dirty? am not sure what to come of it

[Dualz]

Hi Kenshin

It's a bit sluggish than before but not full on difference.
I just serviced my car on the weekend in a Toyota service centre and the mechanic said it could be the Injectors.

He serviced my car and put 10-30W Castrol, and used engine treatments to flush and clean.

But when i got it back, the noise was still there and now more crisp sound on the ticking.

So maybe my injectors are dirty? am not sure what to come of it

[SuperDave]

I've heard the ticking noise you mention on a 2zz before. The engine suffered an unrelated failure before it could be fully diagnosed. My suspicions were a slightly bent valve(s), just enough to make noise, but not enough to cause a drop in compression; but I was never able to confirm it. Thicker/thinner oil made no difference to the noise.

[Dualz]

Hi SuperDave,

Yes noise hasnt gone away from the service.

What should I do now?

I thought a service would help but no avail :(

I was thinking of buying some fuel injection flush to see if this helps or is there a better option or Recommend?

Should I ask my mechanic to check the valves ? And what average cost would this set me back?

[SuperDave]

What makes you think the injectors are causing the noise? Machine gunning solutions at it isn't the best way to solve the problem, you need think what increases the frequency of the ticking at the same rate as the engine speed. Why is it not doing it when cold, et cetera.

Taking the head off to have a look would cost a lot of money, probably $2-3k. You'd probably just do a head exchange instead of removing valves to find a slightly bent one.

[Kevsta]

Just putting it out there, have you checked the belt tensioner pulley ?

[REAL OLDIE]

IF it is lifter noise then Pro Ma MBL8 is the fix .Works on Mitsis.