Toyota VVTi System Explained.Why They Rattle and How to Prevent Problems

Everyone raves about the legendary reliability of Toyota, except my 2009 RX350 had this VVTi issue which required an engine out to fix, at huge expense, with less than 100K miles on the car. Then the rubber oil cooler line ruptured and dumped a huge amount of engine oil into the streets of my neighborhood and onto my garage floor. It was just pure luck that the engine didn't seize before my wife got home. My 2002 Lexus ES300 required a top end rebuild when it started blowing oil smoke on cold startup. Luckily Toyota helped out with the expense. I always change oil according to factory spec, or sooner, so it's not lack of oil changes in my case. I am not a fan boy of Toyota because I know first hand they are not that dependable.

Thank you so much for the work you do and thanks for this amazing video! 🙏💛

What's the VVTi gear sprocket part number for the 1AR-FE engine and is it only the intake side or the exhaust side as well?

Great content 👌

what would be a good torque value on those three bolts holding the vvti cover? Cant seem to find any specs

I wish You would address 2010 Toyota Corolla S cars, mines 2010 and in rough shape

Thanks for this informative video !! Does this rattle noise affect the 4.0 in the 4 Runners ? I have a 2019 4 Runner and I think the engine is slightly noisier that what I’m used to hearing in any engine !! I do 5K oil changes religiously and use Mobile 1 full synthetic 0W 20 or 5W 20 as recommended by Toyota.Also changed to an OEM aluminum oil filter housing since to crappy original plastic housing eventually got a hairline crack. Thanks Amrad !!

Great video sir!
Say, my 2010 Rav4 Sport 4WD 2GR-FE has the rattle upon start up, sometimes. Seems like colder weather causes it to happen now and then. Fortunately, in Arizona, it isnt real cold very often. I have changed the oil every 5000 miles....but I'm up to 285,000 miles now. After watching this video and another of yours where you replaced the exhaust gear after removing the timing cover, I'm thinking it might be time for me to do this job. I've got a lot of experience working on engines, and I have spare cars, so I can work slow. Should I get it done? I'd like to drive the car to 1/2 million!

17 minutes to learn that:My 2AR was destined to die somehow from the start XD. This was really informative though. Great video

you never go full retard

Excellent !! Thanks for taking the time to create such an informative and in-depth video which explains the issue and the preventive actions. Wow…

My is250 only rattles on start up when the oil gets old (7000km) or the oil level is low. Otherwise it’s not present is this okay?

I’m going through the same ordeal on my Nissan Micra. Funnily enough I already started tapping the thread into the outside solenoid that’s stuck in the block. I’ll resume work on it tomorrow but wanted to see if the internet had any other ideas too. Great video man, thanks for sharing either way.

Does anybody have an idea how much this would cost to replace on a 2006 Avalon 3.5 V6

Will a good oil flush possibly dislodge that stuck pin in the VVTI.

Im thinking about making a video to see

my fortuner VVTI engine tomuch pinging while driving and when the engine is warm, lets us know why like this, a new spark plug i clean injector, and fule system new knock sensor etc..

Booth of my toyotas hammered at start with low miles and 5000 mile oil changes . Vvt, is anothe nail in the coffen of modern engines . Only fix is to install a special pre start up oil pressure system .

I think this is another reason toyota dropped to 0w 16 oil....if you're the type who never changes his oil regularly, the thinner oil spec will save the day.

I have been going through some adventures with my 2007 Camry. It's been making tapping noise intermittently sometime when accelerates and sometime when the gas pedal is released. I had it taken to the mechanic that I have been taking to the last ten years. They thought it was leaking oil and changed the valve cover gasket that they changed just a few years ago. Now I know how they are and I will never take the car back to them. They said they couldn't find out what happened and told me to take it to the dealer. The dealer said it has to do with the VVT gear and told me I should change all of them for about $8K. I found a new mechanic shop. This mechanic seems to be a very nice guy and told me since the tapping is not ongoing it should not have to do anything with the engine and the sound is coming from the dash. They did an engine flush and the car actually runs better but the tapping sound still comes up. I am praying that there is no issues with the VVT gears. Amd, if you happened to read this, I hope you can give me your option. God Bless!