Engine ticking noise

timgem67 · Posted at Sat Oct 24, 2009 5:11 am

Engine Performance problem
2002 Toyota Sienna 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 91200 miles

My vehicle is making a ticking noise when I push the accelerator. It seems to increase in frequency when I accelerate.

I had replaced the timing belt and AC belt as they were due, thinking this would go away.

THe problem still persists.

mathiaso · Posted at Sun Oct 25, 2009 4:11 am

hello timgem67

check the oil level. what kind of oil and grade do you have in the vehicle? what color is it?
get back after you checked those.

timgem67 · Posted at Sun Oct 25, 2009 10:35 am

Thanks for your response.

The engine oil is nut brown. I have been running Synthetic blend (Valvoline SAE 5W-30).

It has been using synthetic for the past 2 years, but different varieties (Pennzoil, Walmart brand, etc).

It is about a 1/2 quart low. Anything else I can check?

mathiaso · Posted at Sun Oct 25, 2009 11:31 am

For 1/2 quarter low, oil is going somewhere.../does the enine smoke in the morning?
add oil and see if the noise stops.
if the noise still there ticking...
according to what you said earlier that the ticking noise increase in frequency when you accelerate mean technically that ticking noise occures at the same rate as cranckshaft rotation can be cause by piston slap, lose piston pins,worn connecting rod bearing or worn main bearing.
open the oil filer cap and listen to the opening.
listen at each intake and exhaust manifold runner using a stethoscope. place the stethoscope on the fastener holding the valve cover.
disable one cylinder at the time, let me know if the noise stops.
check everything mentioned and keep me updated

timgem67 · Posted at Sun Oct 25, 2009 12:50 pm

Thanks for the response. I do not see any notice any smoke in the morning.

The other thing I failed to mention, the ticking sound is not noticeable when the engine is in idle mode. The problem only seems noticeable on the highway when I am accelerating.

I will fill the oil level and see if that helps. I will keep you posted as I have more info on the other items.

mathiaso · Posted at Sun Oct 25, 2009 1:05 pm

yes let me know if there i any change. by the way,it could be bearing sound from one of the pulley.
because noise are difficult to describe, rotating pulleys and looking for any wobling sound when belt is remove. that is another possibility.

timgem67 · Posted at Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:19 pm

I filled the oil level in the vehicle, however the sound continues. It seemed to become more faint than previous.

mathiaso · Posted at Tue Oct 27, 2009 6:52 pm

this a mechanic stethoscop. it cost $9.90 at autozone.
Place this stethoscop on the valve cover.
tell me your found.
remove all the spark plugs, squir litle heavy oil in each spark plug hole , then put the spark plugs back

start the engine.
tell me your found.

we are checking the pistons rings and the valve guides.