tronimrich

160k miles never missed a 5k conventional oil change. Never a CEL. I havea faint lifter tick noise when idling. Long term problem or characteristic of the loud 2gr? Solutions? What do you all think?

AA2016

I think it’s the 2gr design or a lack of previous care. My ES started ticking about 4 years ago and aside from the annoying noise, it hasn’t caused problems. I tried this lifter quieting solution from rislone but it didn’t do anything. I asked a reputable mechanic what would happen if I keep driving it like this and he said “nothing”. The ticking noise on mine happens after the car is warmed up and it stays constant. I change the oil every 3k miles now just to be safe.

tronimrich

My dealer service tech mostly dismissed it as a "deal with it" issue. The ticking is almost diesel like in nature and is worse when pushing oil change intervals. I am not worried as I feel it's characteristic but I'm open to other opinions.

I think I'll be doing 3k oil intervals now to be proactive. Just so its clear the car has literally not missed a 5k dealer service interval. It's the definition of maintanence babied. So I was a little disappointed when the tech made an entry on the car history about "top end ticking" when I know from research the 2gr has lifter tick diesel clatter (different from the start up piston expanding clatter issue)

ESh

Try with full synth.

Wilson2000

Try running Marvel Mystery Oil, or Seafoam in the crankcase (per bottle directions). You can also try running 10W-30 oil, without harm. I use Penzoil Ultra Platinum, a full synthetic, as it tested best, even over high-end racing oils, in Project Farm's testing.

tronimrich

Thanks for the responses. I am weary of going synth oil because I know synth is thinner and will leak from seals and gaskets that convetional wouldn't. My worry would be that synth is going to expose possible leaks and I will never be able to go back to a completely sealed system. Not that synth CAUSES leaks, but that it will leak from places convetional wouldn't, and I would never be able to put the genie back into the bottle so to speak. Once synthmakes it leak I could be doomed. Likely? Probably not. But it is a valid concern.

I've heard Liquid Moly for tappet/lifter noise could be something I go to

Of course, this is a VERY faint sound and maybe I'm over thinking it. No check engine light.

Wilson2000

Synthetic would only cause leaks by cleaning up sludge deposits around seals, not because it is lighter weight. If your conventional oil was changed regularly, this wouldn't be an issue. Plus, there's an additive for conditioning seals in high-mileage cars, if that's an issue.

There are other threads on this topic that you can search. I know of one poster who cleared up his start-up tappet noise by going to 10W-30 weight oil. It might be worth a try for you.