1996 2.5TL just short of 130k miles. Had the timing belt, water pump and oil change done at ~129250 miles. Car ran fine for ~500 miles, then started clicking a bit under the hood like a sticky lifter. I checked the oil, looked good (only 500 miles on it). In the span of about 20 miles the click turned into a rattle, then into a full blown top-end knock and sounds exactly like this other link in the forums:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...t=engine+knock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vClTpyaFJEU

People are saying it's a rod-knock. It doesn't sound to me like that big of a steel part, nor does it sound like it's coming from the bottom. This really sounds like a broken piston, either the skirt is slapping loudly, or the two halves of the broken piston are moving up and down together. The compression still seems fine, the car accelerates and appears to drive fine aside from the noise (I'm not driving the car, except around the neighborhood).

Does anyone have any idea what this might be? I have no clue. Otherwise, is anyone interested in the car because I've already replaced my daily driver with a 97 Camry.

I was asking $1250, and I've seen engines for $700 but I don't have time to swap it? Is this reasonable?
Please let me know!

-Joel
96 2.5TL

 

did you get a valve adjustment? i had a ticking sound (still do) sometimes.. if i start the car and it ticks i turn off then start up again usually the 3rd try there is no ticking at all.. i still havent been able to find the culprit but my car drives fine

 

I didn't get a valve adjustment. Though I can't believe that this sound is a valve adjustment away. How much is a valve adjustment? If it's something more significant than a valve adjustment, I'd hate to throw good money after bad.

 

i paid around $250 for a valve adjustment.. with new gaskets, etc.. or you could take it to a shop that will atleast tell you what it is for free.. aamco transmissions? i think thats the name they will check your ride out for free, tell you what it is and how much $$, then you can decide for yourself whats best.