Tickin' Tundra

tickin'tundra · #1 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002, 01:51 PM

I posted a while back about a cold start ticking noise. What I thought was a cracked exhaust manifold was incorrect according to the dealer I visited this week. I took the Tundra in and asked the dealer what's up with the ticking. In short, I was told that the noise was "piston slap" caused by short-skirted forged piston . I was also told that the piston expands as operating temperature increases and that this is a "normal operating condition". That's Bullsh&%.

I asked to go out on thier lot and start up a Tundra or two. They obliged. On the first try, I heard the ticking, but is was much less noisy than mine. On the 2nd Tundra, I heard no noise at all. I concluded that Toyota has a problem, but they don't want to offer a fix to their customers. The service manager agreed with me but his hands were tied.

Anyone else suffering this problem?

blktundr · #2 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002, 06:04 PM

I'm in Denver, and have started my Tundra in weather from -8 to 75 degrees F and not heard a thing. You can bet I will listen more closely now, though and let you know if I do.

peck'r

twowheeler · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002, 07:44 PM

I'm wondering if synthetic oil would help solve the prob. I understand that the syn oil leaves a coat of oil on the lubed parts at all times (unless it gets wiped) while conventional oil drains off. If it doesn't solve the tick problem, it would at least help protect engine internals during startup.

thombiz · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002, 07:52 PM

This topic came up a couple times on http://www.tacomaterritory.com That board was started in '98 and is one of the most active truck clubs on the Internet. One of the quys named Gadget (see http://www.gadgetonline.com ) was able to quiet his motor by using Amsoil Synthetics. Immediate results when he switched from dino to synthetics.

BTW, visit Gadgets site for some real insight to solving vehicle problems.

redmondrr · #5 (**permalink**) 03-08-2002, 01:22 AM

I've had two Tundras - both have had the ticking noise when cold; the 2000 sounded like a diesel. Synthetic oil hasn't made any difference in the noises. My 2001 has been much quieter than the 2000.

Ricey · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2002, 10:27 AM

Tickin'Tundra,

Welcome to the club! A real dissapointing facet of a $30,000 vehicle. I bet you wouldn't have bought it if you heard this when they first started it in front of you!
I started a thread over in Engine & Drivetrain section (under the Performance & Tuning section). It's called "Diesel Knock Tracking". I'm using it to keep tabs on everyone who has the "knock". Mainly to see if anyone gets beyond the dealer saying that it's "normal". I need earplugs when I first take off in the morning.
Oil won't make a difference neither will talking to it. It first started around 2,500 miles and now with 10,000 miles approaching, I get it all the time, very dissapointing.
Keep us posted on your dealings.

Ricey

Ricey · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2002, 10:39 AM

Oops, they moved me.
You can find that thread "Diesel Knock Tracking" under "Lon's Garage", look in "Technical Discussions".

Ricey

nhparrot · #8 (**permalink**) 03-08-2002, 10:47 AM

Jim,
I moved that thread back to the Performance & Tuning - Engine and Drivetrain forum.

fourtoys · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2002, 10:28 AM

better a tickin tundra than a frickin F150,of course that's easy for me to say since mine doesn't have the cold tick,but it does have either really noisy valves or injectors or both.

Londog123 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-10-2002, 07:40 PM

I am having the same problem. It sounds like an exhaust leak when cold but it goes away after I drive it for a while. If it sits turned off for more than 5 minutes, it does it again when I take off. I have been using Mobil synthetic since 7000 miles and it has done no good. Now I am at 53,000 and the piston slap comments really bother me since my warranty goes in 7,000 miles.

twowheeler · #11 (**permalink**) 03-10-2002, 08:42 PM

My tundra doesn't tick (I pray it doesn't ever) but was curious if those who's do tick can be heard from the cab with the windows up?

tickin'tundra · #12 (**permalink**) 03-11-2002, 04:32 AM

I should be so lucky to not hear the "tick" with my windows rolled up... You can hear it just fine. I haven't tried ear plugs yet, that's my next step. Does Toyota sell TRD ear plugs, anyone?

starks · #13 (**permalink**) 03-12-2002, 12:56 PM

For those who are interested Toyota tightened their piston to cylinder clearance for 2002. What I don't understand is why they hadn't figured this out before. This is not a new engine.

Dude Boy · #14 (**permalink**) 03-12-2002, 09:47 PM

So, are the specs in the repair manual now showing something different than in the earlier manual? Too bad there's no consistency in their manufacturing tolerances. If there were, then there wouldn't be so much variation from one engine to the next. I won't buy another Tundra unless they get their act together.

Dude

Toy Tundra · #15 (**permalink**) 03-13-2002, 02:08 AM

The Tech at my dealership told me that they are now coating the pistons with teflon for the 2002 V8 to keep them quiet. My first thought was lets put those in my truck(01), Tech claims Toyota tried it and the engines would lock up after they got warm and ran for while, too tight. Toyota fully acknowledges the sound is there and goes away when warmed up and also claims that this will not affect the truck perfomance or durability. We'll have to see.