Hi Scotty, love your youtube channel and a big fan of yours. Need help to "REV UP" my car engine 🙂
I have recently bought a used 2010 Toyota Corolla LE with 88k miles on it. For the last couple of days, I am hearing a rattling noise for 1 or 2 seconds at the cold start. At the same time, the car RPM is not going above 2500 during idle and also on the highway. No engine light, no codes, and the car runs fine when I am driving below 60 mph. Car hesitates to accelerate beyond that when I push the gas pedal more.
I have changed my oil filters and oil type from 0W-20 to 5W-20. It didn't solve the issue. Is it the timing chain? Is it safe to drive in this situation?
I am a student and used $6k from my savings to get a reliable car, but looks like I don't have the TOYOTA (GOOD) LUCK!
Thanks.
Change the fuel filter and then pressure test the fuel pump. You may have fuel deficiency at high rev.
Thank you, Yaser! I will update this post after changing the fuel filter.
You should NEVER change the oil type from what the owners manual calls for.
The cold-start rattle could be caused by using a cheap oil filter that does not have an anti-drainback valve. Use an OEM filter next time.
@folsomtoyotas, thank you for your comment and suggestion. The owner's manual says that we could use both 0W-20 or 5W-20.
Recently, I have changed the oil filter again from FRAM to a Purolator one. The car hesitation at 60 mph has gone away, but it still rattles at the cold start. Maybe I need to check an OEM filter next time.
Rattle from the VVTI mechanism on cold start is a known problem for the 1.8 those years - there's a Technical Service Bulletin on it. I have an 09 Matrix and had it fixed, and it hasn't returned in the last 4 years (bought the Matrix with a short-term warranty, fixed under that so I don't know how much it cost). Be glad you don't have the 2.4 - that was a problem child then.
Hi @Glen_stet, thanks for your comment. I am just wondering if I can keep driving with this issue. A lot of folks in different forums have mentioned that they have been driving over the years without any significant damage.
Cold-start rattle is fairly typical in VVT-i engines. Once the oil pressure makes it to the valves they usually quiet down. Also, the cams can wear with high mileage, but not a lot in Toyotas with regular oil changes. Check the back side of your head for any signs of an oil leak, as the timing tensioner seal can leak which can cause a bit of timing rattle until it's revved up. Doubtful at that mileage but it's worth a look.
You say you can't revv over 2500RPM at idle or on the freeway? That sounds like a breathing problem and you may be looking at two distinct issues. Does the car burn any oil?
