I have 2001 Toyota Tundra Limited 4x4; It runs great, no...

Question by KenLDavis
Submitted on 1/22/2004
Related FAQ: Toyota Tundra FAQ
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I have 2001 Toyota Tundra Limited 4x4; It runs great, no problems mechanical, electrical, or body integrity. I have about 20,500 miles on it now. I run Mobil 1 Synthetic oil, and have since I bought the truck, using genuine Toyota filters on it - they do all the service on it - even oil changes, since it's still under warranty. I've noticed that in the mornings when it's colder than about 30 degrees f, when the truck is first started, I get a lot of what sounds like "valve chatter". Oil pressure is good, oil level is fine, and the oil is clean. It goes away after I drive for about 2 miles... My concern is that there may be an issue that I cannot detect; am I doing any long-term damage to the engine or is this a common problem with the Tundra 4.7L V8? The only modifications that have been made to the vehicle was to install a K&N filter and intake system to help with fuel mileage - didn't work, but it does sound nice when the truck's loaded or I'm towing.... Any help is greatly appreciated - e-mail me off-list if it's easier. ken.davis@compass-usa.com Charlotte, NC

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Answer by Howler
Submitted on 3/13/2004
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My 2002 Tundra with now 50k miles does the same thing when cold. I usually let it idle until the temp is warm. If I take off when it's cold it sounds like a pea thrasher for a few miles. I use the 5w30 oil as specified. Also I question Toyoto why Tundra's have low oil pressure when idleing. Mine has been low since it was new and they say that's normal.

Answer by zoom
Submitted on 10/5/2004
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Check out the exhaust manifold for cracks, a common problem

Answer by michael
Submitted on 11/26/2004
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it is perfectly normal for a tundra to act that way no matter what year it is. but maybe the 2004 have changed im not sure. it always starts like that for a few miles. ususaly 2-4 miles.

Answer by 2002 Tundra California
Submitted on 5/28/2005
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I live in warmer weather (So. California) and I notice a slight valve chatter in the mornings. However, it only lasts less than 10 seconds. I have owned multiple trucks: Dodge, Ford, Nissan,Toyota. If it goes away once warm- there is nothing to worry about. As far as the low oil pressure at idling, that too is nothing to worry about as long as it increases if you hold it at 1500 RPM. These trucks will go 200k + mi.

Answer by DON
Submitted on 6/29/2005
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THE NOISE YOU ARE HEARING IS HAIRLINE CRACKS IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS, MY 2001 HAS 32K MILES AND THATS WHAT THE DEALER TOLD ME 2K TO FIX

Answer by Montie
Submitted on 12/9/2005
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I also have a 2001 tundra and it is the same with all of them. What you here is the fuel injectors opening and closing. To check this just start your truck and place your finger on them and you will feel it. It is normal you have one per cylender or eight of them.

Answer by Spencer
Submitted on 1/9/2006
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2000 Tundra here and the same thing...

Answer by Boojum
Submitted on 1/30/2006
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I had a Nissan that did the same thing (1984 p/u) after I ran slick50 as per instructions it quit with 'pea thrasher' (nice image!) noise even right at start up.

Answer by stshannon
Submitted on 2/3/2006
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The noise that you are experiencing upon cold start up is called "piston slap" all of the earlier tundra's had this noise. It is completely normal and will not cause any internal damage to the vehicle. Also tundra models do not necessarily have low oil pressure the spec at idle is 4.2psi which is completely normal for this engine. if you are referring only by your oil pressure guage, the earlier models do have a service bulletin for an updated oil pressure sending unit. you will notice upon intial startup the guage will rise to about 3/4 of the way, once the vehicle is warmed up it usually will desend back down to 1/4 a little above.

Answer by TUNDRAGUY
Submitted on 3/18/2006
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I LIKE MEN

Answer by andy
Submitted on 10/25/2006
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My 2001 4wd toyota tundra also has low oil pressure when ideling but it seems to be alright. 106,438mi

Answer by Mary
Submitted on 11/6/2006
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you might want to change to castrol oil i find it is a lot better for this problem.

Answer by nimrod
Submitted on 5/17/2007
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Where can I get a factory remote keyless entry system for a 2001 Tundra?

Answer by thr macanic
Submitted on 7/6/2007
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if you try slick 50 .it sound like bull but this has tefflon that coat , whats going on is that at the bottom of the oil pan there is a screen filter .so that filter is like a screen like on the windows until the presure bills up you have low lube .if you can have that filter change you will not have that problem .it is also easy to do yourself

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Answer by TUNDRAGUY
Submitted on 3/18/2006
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YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT,THIS IS NORMAL,I HAVE A 05 TUNDRA, THE SAME THING HAPPENS,THIS IS FROM THE VALVE LIFTER BUCKETS THAT SIT ON TOP OF THE VALVE SPRING. WHEN TEMP CAUSES THEM TO EXPAND,NOISE GOES AWAY.