Camshaft and tappet wear (top-end noise)
- Symptoms
- Ticking from the top of the engine, low power
- Likely cause
- Worn camshaft and flat tappets. Owners link it to modern API SM/SN oils with less anti-wear additive (ZDDP), high revs, and a faulty PCV valve.
- Fix
- Owners advise API SG/SJ (or SL) rated oil changed on time. Check the PCV valve. Worn parts need replacing.
- Applies to
- High-mileage cars
- Confidence
- low
Sources
Related problems on this car
- Idle drops or engine stalls when pressing the clutch
- Overheating
- Hard start after the car has been parked
- Gearbox oil leak from a seal
Similar problems on other cars
- Brakes wear fast, especially at the rear · Toyota Vitz (1st gen)
- Ticking noise on a cold start (1.3) · Toyota Corolla (11th gen, E170)
Where the parts are · Warning lights · Fault codes · Maintenance
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Guidance only – confirm with a mechanic before repairs. All common problems