2003 Toyota Corolla Valve lifter?

BRTNRIDR24

MEMBER
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
106,000 MILES

My car makes a tapping noise that I have been told is a valve lifter. It is most noticeable when the car is cold and greatly decreases when the car is warm and is practically inaudible if the hood is popped and the throttle is manipulted when the car is in neutral. Under power, it can be heard at from 2k to 3.2k rpms but is quiet (or drown out by the engine) otherwise. I understand that there is work involved in repairing this but would like some realistic, optimisitic, input. Thanks.

1 Reply

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

If this is the standard 1ZZFE engine, you have to remove the camshafts after measuring the valve lash to determine the correct lifter (one piece) to replace.
It is also possible the camshaft chain has streached, the teeth on the cam gears are worn.
It is also possible that one or more of the camshafts lobes are worn.
Lifter clearence is relitively simple to check. Remove plastic cover, unplug and remove the 4 coils to the cylinders, remove the camshaft cover.
Rotate each cylinder to firing position and check valve clearence with a feeler gauge.
This must be done when engine is cold.

I would also have the oil pressure checked with a mechanical gauge to make sure it is not a bad/weak oil pump.