Cold mornings.... Vibe sounds like a diesel!

[rob454]

Hello all.I know this question might of been asked a couple times but I didn't see a solution anywhere but for rod bearings. I don't think my issue is due to rod bearings but everytime I start this car up in the cold, it sounds like a diesel with a slight consistant knock until it warms up. Once its warmed up it sounds just fine. I am replacing the Belt tensioner assy on thursday but Im not sure if the belt tensioner assembly is capable to creating such a knock. I hear the marbles in a cup noise but the knock still leaves me in question.Any one have any good advice to start with?I have a 2004 Vibe Base with 1.8l 1zz engineThanks!!!Robert

[Sublimewind]

It's the tensioner or idler for the tensioner, you will see, I mean hear... lol..

[rob454]

Is that why it goes away? Because the bearings relubricate themselves with whatever is not leaked out? lol

[keithvibe]

is it a ticking/tapping sound?

[cp_stunna_2011]

yeah i have that marbles in a cup noise inside my car (not sure if its the same noise) it was on both sides of my car sounds like its in the floor, i did stumble upon one of these marble things and thats what it is, a solid metal marble, kinda like a big bearing. There is still one on the other side that rolls around i cant seem to find it. Anyway maybe the marbel in the cup noise he is talking about is something i may have as well its like a gurgling that goes on when i stop at a light or stop sign and wehn backing out or into my driveway. i hate it, any ideas to that noise or the other one?

[j42.snyder]

To see if it's belt related, you could remove the belt and start it up temporarily. I assume you'd know within 30 seconds whether the noise was there or not - and you're not going to hurt anything in that time.If it's NOT belt related, it may be piston slap. What oil are you using? Sometimes different oils will change how it sounds. My old Sunfire was noisy like that whenever it was cold - regardless of what oil was in there. It's still going strong at over 252,000km now - still with no oil consumption - so sometimes noises aren't as bad as they sound.Different brands of oil filters may have an effect if they allow some of the oil to drain out when the engine's off. Some have better anti-drain back valves which help to prevent this. My 2009 2.4 has bottom mounted filter so it won't cause a problem - but IIRC yours is sideways mounted. This could cause a bit of noise on startup if oil pressure is delayed at all - but not likely last more than about 10 seconds.Of course I'm just guessing here. I haven't owned any Japanese engines before, so I'm not always sure what to expect from them. I would try the belt removal first though - if you're suspicious of an issue there.John

[rob454]

5w-30 oil, i actually just used Advance auto part's brand. I got 4 quarts of Mobile 1 Clean 5000 5w-30 i will be replacing the oil with. I don't think it will make any difference. I am really hoping it is this belt tensioner but I already hear the marbles in a cup noise.. I am just not sure that this additional "slight knock" is another noise that the belt tensioner is making.

[rob454]

Keith,It sounds like a lower pitched sound more than a lighter tapping noise. It does not go away when you increase the rpms like a rod knock would. It goes *completely* away once you drive the car for a couple miles. If it were a rod bearing, I would believe the noise would stay consistent even though the car is warmed up, actually would be quieter if the oil was colder and in its thicker state.

[Sublimewind]

It's the tensioner/idler, I didn't hear mine all summer, then the nights started to get colder... boom... noise is back... The tensioner itself may not be bad, it could just be the idler..

[cousinjerry]

@ CP_Stunna_2011Where did you find the "marbels"? I have the same sound on the passenger side of my car....driving me nuts!

[cp_stunna_2011]

im still looking for the one on the passenger side but the one on the drivers side was under the carpet near the drivers side door, found it when installing battery cable. i would try the same place on the passenger side

[rob454]

The tensioner assembly and belt has been replaced. I changed the oil with 5w-30 and it still sounds like a diesel until it warms up. Could it be because its running too lean or too rich? I did gap the iridium plugs when I performed the tune up.

[ramenboy...]

Quote, originally posted by rob454 »The tensioner assembly and belt has been replaced. I changed the oil with 5w-30 and it still sounds like a diesel until it warms up. Could it be because its running too lean or too rich? I did gap the iridium plugs when I performed the tune up. it could be that the engine needs the valves 'lashed'... not sure if anyone has had this done yet. i think they're supposed to be checked for adjustment at like 60k miles.

[j42.snyder]

Did you try running it without the belt installed? That would at least eliminate anything external.It's not likely a misfire issue. You'd be getting codes set fairly quickly if it was. You would also feel it, and hear it in the exhaust.Valve lash (excessive clearance) will be heard slightly more when cold - but will be a distinct light tapping in the top end. Not really what I would describe as a "knock" or diesel sound. Some diesels do have a somewhat noisy valvetrain though - so maybe that depends on what you're used to hearing.Have you had the car long? If this is a recent development, and you've had it a while, it may be worth getting someone you trust to lend an ear. If it's still fairly "new to you" - then I'd be curious to find another of about the same vintage, and see how it sounds. Certain engines just have distinctive sounds. I'd like to hear another for comparison sake. I really can't help - 2.4 here.It may be possible that it needs a valve clearance adjustment. I'm not sure on the procedure for those engines. The one for the 2.4 is absolutely silly IMHO. The only adjustment available for it is to purchase different height lifters! My 1965 Valiant has adjustable rocker arms for this purpose - just need a 7/16" wrench to adjust. I'm still trying to get my head around why they'd still design an engine that requires this type of maintenance. Hydraulic lifters came out a LONG time ago. Other than the ancient slant 6's I've owned, this is the only car that HASN'T had hydraulics. Even the 6's were "upgraded" by Chrysler in 1981... Gotta love advancements in technology!Hopefully your 1.8 is a little more "mechanic friendly", IF it needs adjustment. Slightly loose is far preferable to too tight - so IF this is the noise you're hearing at startup, and it completely goes away within a few minutes - it may be a GOOD thing...There are a few people where I work with higher mileage Hondas that seem to make plenty of noise when started cold - but they keep going! Maybe just a standard feature of Japanese design.John

[rob454]

Yes, I have ran it without the belt installed and it still makes the noise. I called the Toyota dealership and they want me to bring it in so they can diagnose it (Of course with a $75 diag fee) I told him I would think about it but I think I am going to post the noise on here first before I make any decision to take it to a mechanic.One other thing I was thinking was it could be the timing chain. The idle is pretty rough at times and a stretched timing chain would make a similar noise.