Avensis T25 Rattle

[Phil F]

Hi all,

My wonderful 2005 1.8 auto,which is now approaching 130,000 miles,has just recently started to sound a bit rattly first thing.

I am thinking this might be the timing chain starting to get worn,what do you think?Can they actually snap?

Cheers...Phil

[Duggerz]

I don't know much about this particular engine but I do suspect that the timing chain tensioner is oil pressure fed, and as the oil pump wears it takes a little longer to build pressure, causing the timing chain to rattle on starting, but also the other engine parts which are not under oil pressure such as big ends, mains, cams. Is it just for a split second or does it gradually fade as the engine warms? If the former then as I described, otherwise, it could be poor oil circulation as described in other parts here, ie clogged strainer though I thought that applied mainly to the 1cd engines.

[Phil F]

Thanks Duggerz,

It's actually more of a clatter than rattling that clears as the engine warms up after a few minutes which made me think it might be the chain.

 

[Duggerz]

It could be but I think a chain will be slack whether hot or cold. Could even be piston slap. A recording would be very helpful in this case.