Rav4 D4D Engine Squeel And Intermittant Howl

October 1, 2010

Hello all. Start by saying this forum is a great source of info. I have already used it to diagnose and replace the Dual Mass flywheel problem (pricey)

I have 3 distinct noises coming from my engine. Rav4 2002 D4D.

Noise one: An intermittant howl which I have googled and found on youtube of all places the exact same noise. This seems to be the Fuel Filter cap and well documented by loads of sites on how to fix.

Noise two: Squeeling / Squeeking. Some days it squeels like mad others it hardly makes a sound. Almost like a fan belt noise but slightly different if you understand that ! unsure what this noise is or how to sure it.

Noise three: When I bought the Rav a few years back it was a nice smooth sounding diesel engine. Now it sounds all clattery and tap ity tap ? Unsure what causes this as well.

Tomorrow I will do a full oil and filter change. I will then record the engine noise using several different devices to try and get a sound as close to real life as possible. Hopefully your experienced ears can help me diagnose whats going on.

October 1, 2010

Parts King will post you the latest filter head at a discounted price. It comes without moo cow sound!

The belt noise is not uncommon. To test the source, pour warm water over the belts while the engine is idling. They will fall silent for a few moments then gradually become noisey again as they dry out. If that is the case you can try new belts but it doesn't always work. You might have to live with that one.

The injectors are quite noisey. Get a long screwdriver and hold the tip firmly in contact with one of the injectors with the engine idling. Then push your ear firmly onto the screwdriver handle and listen to the injector. This should be in time with your "suspect" noise (keep loose items away from rotating pulley's). Not much you can do about that but using good quality diesel (BP Ultra, Shell V-Power or Total Excellium - 6-10p premium) will go some way to silencing it.

DO NOT try adjusting the tappets unless you are a good mechanic and you have several hours and a box full of shims at your disposal. In any case I doubt you would hear them unless there was something amiss - they usually maintain their settings for the life of the engine.