Replaced both noisy idler pulleys (bearings very worn), water pump and timing belt. Still has a ticking noise. Sounds like the valves or lifters. Its has a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder with 106,000 miles. The car is a 5 speed manual with tons of power but irritating ticking noise. Any suggestions? Sounds like the cam isn't getting oil or something. I haven't tried Lucas yet. Thank You in Advance!

 

The 5S-FE engine can be noisy. If you think it is the valves check the clearance, not hard to do.

 

So check the clearance with feeler gauge with the lobe facing away from the lifter? I take it the valves are adjusted with shims? Thank You in advance.

 

I have the 5sfe, Im still trying to figure out what to do to the thing. Havent had a knocking or ticking yet, and Im at about 147xxx miles.

 

I also have a 2.2liter 95 5 speed manual with 160k, no ticking. Valves must have been adjusted at one point but I only did the tensioners, wp and timing belt. I see what I have to do now for the valve clearance check and possible adjustment. I don't have the special tools.

 

Checking the valve clearance is easy, changing the shims if required takes some skill.

No 1 cylinder is next to the timing belt.

To check valve clearance remove spark plugs.

Rotate crank CW 0 to degree mark on timing cover. Determine if No 1 lifters are loose and the No 4 tight, if not rotate crank 1 revolution. Check all clearances on No 1 cylinder, No 2 intake and No 3 exhaust. Should be 0.007-11 inch intake and 0.011-15 exhaust.

Rotate crank 1 rev CW to TDC mark. Check all clearances on No 4 cylinder, No 3 intake and No 2 exhaust.

Record all clearances. If one is too great the shim needs to be replaced. This requires measuring current shim thickness then using a chart to get the part number.

 

Toyomoho, Thank You for your suggestion. It sounds like the totally logical step to take. I did read up on the procedure and I plan on checking the valve clearances this weekend. I hope I do find a couple out of spec which could be the valve noise. Seems like this car with 106,000k hasn't much done to it and hopefully is due for a valve adjustment to correct the noise. If I do find some out of spec measurments I will have to ask what the best tool is on the market to get the correct shims installed. Maybe this is something someone with practice at the dealer should perform? Thank You in advance.

 

From past post apparently the dealer charges something like $300 to adjust the valves.

The link below shows the shim tool however it takes a lot of practice to use and many people end up frustrated! Ebay might have tools that are cheaper.

Some owners have used a large screwdriver and a magnet but take care not to scratch the lobe. The shim surface itself is extremely hard.

If enough shims need replacing it may be possible to move a few around to different locations and reuse them. The dealer should have the shims, guessing $10-14 each. The dealer may be able to help you determine shim part number. You will need to know the valve clearance plus the shim thickness or have access to a shop manual (I have this info).

Given the ease of work on the I4, you could measure the gaps, replace the cover then determine and pickup the shims at your leisure.

Typically the valves stay in adjustment just fine.
http://matcotools.com/Catalog/toolca...T&cat=2286

 

toyomoho, thank you again for the info. Autozone also has the adjustment procedures on their website. I have a question for you that might sound cheap. I was in a pull a part this morning and saw about 10 camrys 92-96 with the 2.2L engines. Would it be okay to use used shims. I could probably get as many as I want for a couple bucks and measure them with my digital micrometer. I was also thinking about practicing the adjustment procedure in the wrecking yard with the right tool. Thanks in Advance!

 

You can reuse the shims, might turn them move to expose an unused surface. There are about 50 differant shims as such consider the odds of getting the right ones.

Suggest you measure the clearances first, might only be one or two valves that have clearance issues.

Always good to practice.