Engine tapping noise.

[BazzaAlpine]

Not going to bother putting an audio clip up as I know they don't tend to help.

 

I'm getting a metallic tap from the upper part of the engine (I think about half way along the block) but it only seems to start once the engine is warmed up and even then when I'm about 3k revs and not under load. Over that and it goes away and cant hear anything at all when it's idling. If I put my foot down (which I've been loath to do in this weather) I don't hear it and it would be loud enough to be heard even over the engine noise.

The car seems to be running fine but I'll have a better judge of that this evening with a longish run to Thetford and back.

I've just added some stuff that is meant to unstick valves incase it's that and some STD fuel system cleaner in case it's the injectors (yes I used the search ).

Anyone got a better idea of what it might be? and more importantly how much it's going to cost to get fixed? Already spent a fortune on her this year so really could do with some good news. I do know that I have stem seals that need changing and was hoping she'd last till April. Related at all? [sAD][/sAD]

Edited December 3, 2010 by BazzaAlpine (see edit history)

[Nic]

Edit: Sorry just re-read your post and you say it's from the upper part of the engine.

Edited December 3, 2010 by Nic (see edit history)

[Razak]

I had a simular noise on my supra just 2 weeks ago, i thought it was from the head at first, but it turned out to be much worse, some of the big end bearings had gone and i had to get it all replaced, i just got mine back today. Not saying thats what yours is but on mine the noise was worst at 2500-3000 rpm while not under load, it might be worth taking it to a good garage to get it looked at. Whifbitz did mine and as soon as i got it there paul was sure it was the bearings.

 

Mine did do it all the time though, not just when warm. If theres any noise from the engine i always get it checked out asap, i got lucky (relatively anyhow) as i seemed to catch it rather early.

[BazzaAlpine]

Well unfortunately for me my luck is pathetic. If I'd had to just drive it home instead of picking my son up for the weekend it probably would have made it and I could have got the garage to check it out. As it is I only made it half way to Thetford before the noise came back and wouldn't go away at which point I find the nearest layby to put it in. By the time I did that the noise was terrible and had started getting loss of power.

Manchetts guy came out. Checked for oil leaks. Got me to start car up then switch it straight off. Said the only other time he'd heard that sort of noise was with another toyota (can't remember which model he said) and it was a snapped Cam Rod. So got the car recovered and hoping the garage I normally use have time to take a look at it today And the worse part is I still didn't get to see my son this weekend :'(

[Swampy442]

Nightmare Snapped cam rod? Cam shaft? Just whip the cam cover off, 8 or 10 bolts and see whats underneath. If its that bad it should be obvious.

[BazzaAlpine]

Nightmare Snapped cam rod? Cam shaft? Just whip the cam cover off, 8 or 10 bolts and see whats underneath. If its that bad it should be obvious.

 

He definately said rod though I suspect you're right. I'm fairly confident I could have taken the cover off and seen what damage there was but no way I would have tried fixing it after that, plus there was no way the recovery truck was going to be able to drop the car off outside my house due to where it's located and space so just seemed easier to let the garage deal with it.

[Paul Whiffin]

Sounds like the same sort of symptons that Razak had with his car, hope not as its not a cheap fix.

[Ian C]

Hearing it at 3krpm and only when not under load sounds horribly like big end bearings - the exponential increase in the problem getting worse isn't a good sign either. If it is a major internal problem like that, you probably did the right thing in stopping driving - it could be the difference between a rebuild and a scrap block.

[BazzaAlpine]

I feel like I'm about ready to break down myself now. Just heard from the garage and the number 6 piston has too much movement in it so it is either big end or small end. Either way it is either a rebuild or a second hand engine :'( Only had this car since April and I've not ragged it. only supposed to have about 60k miles on the engine that's in there. Really don't know what to do but got to let the garage know asap What would you guys suggest and know anyone selling a DECENT 2nd hand engine. Mines a 93 jspec tt if it makes any difference. Could really do without this as the car has cost me a fortune already, as it is whatever I do is going to be whacked on the credit card

[Nic]

It really depends what the problem is exactly, to know that they will need to dismantle the engine. If the wear is light then it may be possible to rebuild with new OEM parts. If there is too much wear or other damage then a new Short Block Assembly (block, crank, rods, pistons, bearings, etc.) from Toyota may be your best option.

 

Alternatively you could just pull the engine and drop in a replacement 2nd hand one, if you can find one.

[BazzaAlpine]

Apparently the new one from Toyota is 2K. I really can't afford that not to mention fitting on top of it Considering this happened to the engine when I've never raced it or run it on a drag strip I'm not confident the whole thing isn't wrecked on the inside.

[Nic]

Apparently the new one from Toyota is 2K. I really can't afford that not to mention fitting on top of it Considering this happened to the engine when I've never raced it or run it on a drag strip I'm not confident the whole thing isn't wrecked on the inside.

 

A second hand engine will cost you at least that I'd image.

 

I'd get them to dismantle the engine and see what damage is actually done before making a decision.

[Razak]

Sorry to hear you are having that problem, sounds identical to mine. I had mine about 5 months 60k miles on the clock, never pushed it too hard and always tried to be careful with it, but i just had to spend £2.5k to get the bearings done. Unfortunately a rebuild or a replacement is going to be expensive. Dont give up though, as soon as i got mine back and drove it away i remembered why i loved it in the first place

 

Problem with second hand engines, ive found from previous cars, is that you are buying an unknown, you cant be sure of what you are getting. Where as with them stripping your engine and replacing the needed parts you can be pretty confident they will make it as good as can be, i imagine both will cost about the same really.