2009 Toyota Matrix with the 1.8 L 4-cylinder. Makes a funny ticking sound when idling. Goes away when above 1000 RPMS. Only will make the sound when the engine gets up to temperature. When I go for a drive, it starts making a the noise when sitting at a red light. The sound is more pronounced at the top where the valves are, but you can also hear it pretty good underneath the car. I will link a video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvwu1NzroWQ
Mileage?
215,000
I was very fortunate to find out that the problem was very minor. After using a stethoscope to locate where the noise was, I looked under the transmission to find that the flex plate was loose. Once I tightened it, the noise stopped immediately. I was in shock listening to it and realizing how similar it sounds to a thrown rod or spun bearing.
That's a frequently overlooked source of that type of noise. Glad you found it!
Excellent detective work. You are now more qualified to work on cars than a lot of mechanics out there.
Thank you, I was so relieved!
That is NOT a good noise that your engine is making. I would guess that you have a damaged roller rocker arm, but I would pull that valve cover sooner rather than later. Metal is banging on metal in your engine, and hard.
Here's a document that shows the parts in your valve train.
https://physics.usc.edu/Undergraduate/temporary/corolla2009/2zrfeeng.pdf
I used a screwdriver as a stethoscope to try and locate where the noise was coming from. Listened all over the block and hear nothing. It almost sounds like its coming from the back where the exhaust manifold is. The only ticking I could hear up front was the fuel injectors.
Check the oil level first. If that's not it, check the lifters. If it's the lifters, then you're going to replace the motor sooner than later.
Oil is fresh and was changed last month. Looks good on the dipstick. I am not 100% sure if its lifters. Keep in mind, the sound goes away when accelerating.
I will find time to take valve cover off and check the state of the motor.