2000 Toyota Tundra 4WD tinny noise

Maintenance/Repairs
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1

I hear a tinny noise when I start the engine and when I am accelerating. It doesn’t last long and unfortunately it is intermittent. It doesn’t always happen. Is this serious? Thank you for your time.

2

Like little ball bearings in a glass jar?

How many miles on this Tundra and what engine? Is the check engine light on?

3

First off, thanks for replying so quickly. Mileage is 246,000. The check engine light is not on. It sounds like pebbles on metal and only lasts a few seconds. It also makes this sound when I accelerate after turning (which means I am going slowly). It usually makes the sound when I first start it up, but not always.

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4

I suspected the mileage was pretty high… 19 years and all.

I’d guess the pistons are a rattling a bit given the wear on the engine. Not serious, just a bit annoying.

Could also be a broken heat sheild on the exhaust as well. That will get worse so it will be easier to find. Easy to fix, too.

5

Is the website yours? The reason I ask is because I really liked it. I am a Senior Citizen gal and I found it to be easy to understand and I think the videos are super valuable. My neighbor who thinks he is a mechanic thinks it is the starter. My question to you is if that were true, I would not hear the rattle when I’m driving, right? I would think I would hear the rattle (if it were the starter) when I am turning the ignition on (starting the engine)? I am perplexed-I crawled underneath my truck today and felt no loose parts including the heat shield. Then I started the engine twice and never heard the rattle. What do you suggest? Again, thanks for your time.

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6

Thanks, Bee, no it is not my website, I am just one of many forum members.

You know the old comment that a man with a hammer sees everything as a nail? Your neighbor knows how to change a starter so that’s what he thinks it is. If your car is starting OK, then it clearly is not the starter. I suggest you leave it alone until the noise gets worse, if it ever does.

I’d also be saving up for a newer truck. Not saying the truck is on its last legs but it is nearer to the end of its life than the beginning.

7

I agree with everything you said and I appreciate your feedback. The hammer comment made me laugh. Thank you so much for helping me. I will be in a holding pattern until the noise gets worse or occurs more often.

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