MR2 tapping noise from top end

[Pete Daley]

I've got a '93 MR2 with 70k miles which has a loud ticking noise coming from
the top-end of the engine. The noise can only be heard when the engine's
well warmed up and over 2000rpm, and it increases in frequency with revs.
Below 2000rpm, or at all when cold, it's as quiet as a mouse. Does this
sound like valve clearances out of adjustment, or something more mundane?
I'm suspicious as there's no loss of power or fuel economy, just the awful
racket. The car's got a full Toyota history, and the oil level's right in
the middle of the range and clean. There's no smoke, and no oil or coolant
loss. Any ideas?

Cheers,

Pete Daley
pete....@btinternet.com

[Chris Wilson]

[As well as this reply in uk.rec.cars.maintenance a copy
was also e-mailed to Pete Daley ,the cited author.]

In article <6vatdc$4g6$1...@mendelevium.btinternet.com>,
pete....@btinternet.com apparently said in
uk.rec.cars.maintenance

Sounds like it *could* be a tappet clearance problem,but
I'd expect it to also be audible at tickover,and when
cold.The tappets are shimmed,and easy to check.Just pull
the cam cover,and measure using slim feelers,or wire
section feelers.

Could also be a broken piston,or little end noise...:-(
Not so easy to check.Have you tried listening with a
stick,or stethoscope?Mind you don't probe into anything
moving.People with sticks rammed down their lug `oles
usually suffer some discomfort <g>

--

Best Regards,
Chris Wilson
http://www.maximum-bhp.u-net.com