1990 Toyota Corolla rapid tapping after oil loss

GEORGIABOY81

MEMBER
1990 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
230,000 MILES

I added some oil to my car one night about 3 miles from my house. I drove it about 20 minutes the next night till I heard this knocking sound. When I checked I found I forgot to put the oil cap back on. So I added two quarts of oil and some treatment. And this worked for a lil', then the car starting making this rapid tapping sound. {Like a sewing maching) which would speed up or down depending on how much I push on the gas. I did a complete oil change, ran the engine for about 30 seconds and the noise is still there. Should I try running it long to let the new oil cycle through or was that long enough and the problem is probably something else?

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Check the lifters/camshaft its probably worned out due to lack of lubrication

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Wednesday, March 11th, 2009 AT 6:24 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

You will have to take the valve cover off and inspect the camshaft lobes and measure shim clearence.

But (as Raz said) the lobes are probably worn to the point that both camshafts will have to be replaced (if you are lucky).

If the camshaft bearing caps on the head are scored, you will at least need a new head, which you could get at a junk yard, but I would also be concerned about the crankshaft main bearings.