Toyota 86 Engine Makes A Ticking Noise

Common Causes of Ticking Noises in Your Toyota 86 Engine and How to Address Them

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
12% chance it's the
Exhaust Leak
0%
88% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a Toyota 86 engine makes a ticking noise are low oil level or pressure, an issue with the ignition system, or an exhaust leak.
  • Exhaust Leak: A damaged exhaust manifold or a loose connection in the exhaust system can cause an exhaust leak, resulting in increased noise and potential loss of engine power.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a Toyota 86 engine makes a ticking noise?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

If the drive belt idler pulley fails, there will be a very audible chirping noise from the front of the engine. This is because the idler pulley bearing is no longer smooth, and rotating causes metal to grind at high speeds. If it is not changed immediately, there is a chance it will become dislodged, or allow the drive belt to slip off. If the belt falls off, the accessory that it drives will no longer function. For instance, if the alternator belt idler pulley fails, the alternator may stop functioning. Also if the pulley begins to wobble, allowing slack in the belt, it will make an extremely loud squeaking or screeching noise, especially on cold starts. This is the belt slipping on the crankshaft pulley, and will require belt replacement once the idler pulley is replaced.

If the drive belt tensioner fails, there will be a very audible chirping, grinding, or rattling noise from the front of the engine. This is because the tensioner pulley bearing is no longer smooth, and rotating causes metal to grind at high speeds. If it is not changed immediately, there is a chance it will become dislodged, or allow the drive belt to lose tension, or break. If the belt falls off, the accessory that it drives will no longer function. Also, if the tensioner spring fails, allowing slack in the belt, it may make an extremely loud squeaking or screeching noise combined with a rattle as the tensioner bounces back and forth under load. The squealing noise is the belt slipping on the crankshaft pulley, and will require belt replacement once the belt tensioner is replaced.

An engine leaking oil does not always make a puddle on the ground. A burning smell may be noticed from the front of the vehicle after driving. This is because engine oil leaks may fall onto hot engine components, especially the exhaust manifold, and burn off before making it to the ground. This poses a risk to the engine because the leak going unnoticed may deplete the engine oil reserve, and lead to an oil starvation issue. Some engine oil leaks only occur while the engine is running, so the leak may be larger than the small spot on the ground makes it seem.

Noises can be accompanied by many annoying or worrisome sensations. Consider the noise of grinding brakes, the noise sounds much like the brake pedal and steering wheel feel. This is important, as random noises can be difficult to replicate without knowing when the sound occurs, what must be done to make the sound, and what sound it is. Any professional technician can replicate and diagnose most noises, but to ensure the vehicle is more quickly diagnosed, make sure you tell your technician these three pieces of information.

The engine oil pressure warning light will come on if the engine oil pressure is low, or if the oil pressure sensor is faulty. In either case, engine power may be reduced significantly. The check engine light may also illuminate, and an on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble code will be stored in the vehicle's computer.

Troubleshooting Ticking Noise in a Toyota 86

When troubleshooting a ticking noise in your Toyota 86, it's essential to take a methodical approach to identify the root cause effectively. Begin by checking the engine oil level and pressure, as insufficient oil can lead to various engine noises, including ticking. If the oil is adequate, the next step is to inspect the ignition system for any potential faults that might contribute to the sound. Following this, examine the exhaust system for leaks, which are often a common source of ticking noises. If the issue persists, turn your attention to the battery; ensure it is fully charged and that the terminals are clean and free from corrosion, as a weak battery or poor connections can produce clicking sounds. Should these checks not resolve the problem, consider the starter motor and ground connections, as both can lead to similar symptoms. Finally, if the noise appears to originate from the engine, it may be related to valve or cam issues, particularly in older models. By systematically addressing these areas, you can effectively narrow down the source of the ticking noise and determine whether a simple fix is possible or if professional assistance is required.

Diagnosing Engine Ticking Noise in a Toyota 86

When diagnosing engine ticking noise in a Toyota 86, it's crucial to consider several common problems that could be at play. One of the first things to check is the oil level and pressure, as a low oil level can lead to a ticking sound that resembles tapping or clicking. Ensuring that your engine has adequate oil can often resolve this issue quickly. Additionally, the ignition system may contribute to the noise; for instance, if you hear a knocking sound at higher RPMs, it could be related to the direct injection (DI) injectors or the high-pressure fuel pump. Another potential culprit is an exhaust leak, which can create a ticking noise that varies with RPM and can become more pronounced during acceleration. Lastly, valve issues, particularly with hydraulic lifters, may also cause ticking sounds, indicating that further diagnosis or repairs may be necessary. By systematically checking these areas, you can effectively narrow down the source of the ticking noise and take appropriate action to resolve it.

Why is There a Ticking Noise in the Engine of a Toyota 86?

When you hear a ticking noise in your Toyota 86 engine, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to avoid further damage. Low oil pressure or insufficient oil levels can lead to inadequate lubrication of vital engine components, resulting in tapping or ticking sounds. This situation not only affects performance but can also lead to severe engine wear if left unchecked. Additionally, a common culprit could be a sticking hydraulic lift in the valve system, particularly in models equipped with the 2GR-FE engine. While some ticking noises may stem from normal engine operations, such as the firing of injectors or spark plugs, it’s essential to differentiate between benign sounds and those indicating potential problems. Ignoring these symptoms could escalate into more significant issues, potentially compromising your vehicle's safety and functionality. Therefore, if you notice a persistent ticking noise, consider conducting a thorough inspection or consulting a qualified mechanic to ensure your Toyota 86 remains in optimal condition.

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