Any Toyota techs here? Advice re VVTI locking pin startup noise on 2GR-FE
 

So I recently got my oil change on my 2010 Rav4 V6, and pretty much immediately days after, noticing a loud clatter for 2-3 seconds on startup after it's been sitting for a prolonged period of time (45mins+).

It happens even when the engine is hot.

Based on my research it looks to be an issue of the VVTI locking pin not engaging properly, which is controlled by oil pressure.

I know earlier engines this was a weak point, but by the 2GR in 2010 they should have fixed this issue, and as long as its been maintained well there should be no issues. Car only has 140k kms and has had regular maintenance and oil changes from the dealer since new. I've had an older, higher mileage (200k kms) Rav6 with the same engine and never encountered this issue.

Wanted to ask if there's any likelihood that an oil change could make this start suddenly.

I noticed that for some reason they changed the oil weight from what it used to be (0w20) to 5w30. Also the oil level seemed to be quite high, not sure if overfilling could cause this (hard to tell on the dipstick with brand new clean oil)

Or perhaps a faulty oil filter with faulty anti-drain back that is causing it to lose oil pressure when it sits?

It's just odd how it did not have this issue at all (e.g. not intermittent or occasional), and only started immediately after the oil change and it happens on EVERY start after sitting for more than 45 mins.

Paging immortality the 2gr expert (but not Toyota tech... tho he probably could be one haha)

VVT-i gears most likely needs to be replaced from what you're describing. What's most likely happening is the oil that's in the gears is draining to the sump while the car is sitting. Why did it happen after an oil change? I'm not sure.

Even with the most meticulously maintained, mint engine, it could still happen and I've seen it.

I wonder if it's the same noise I hear on the 2.4 4 cylinder, there's this clatter at cold starts or if the car has been sitting for a few hours.

Most likely is

I never looked into what it is but the car has only been dealer serviced since new and still had it and they never brought up it being an issue

But so suddenly from nothing to happening 100% of the time when the car sits?

It's just too coincidental, especially since the 2GR should have been improved vs the earlier gen.

Yep I've seen that happen. I have no better explanation other than it's just bad luck. Perhaps someone who's taken them apart and is mechanically inclined can offer some insight.

I worked at a Honda dealership before and it happened to the K motors as well.

Sadly, it's just happens sometimes. I have no better insights.

I’ve read a few stories about earlier 2GRs having problems but not 2010+ ones.

Are you absolutely certain it’s VVTI gears ? Maybe get a second opinion.

Maybe a stuck lifter?

Curious about the noise. Able to upload a clip of the sound???

Also sucks when shit just happens.

@sonick since it happens pretty frequently, shouldn't be hard to get it diagnosed by a technician/shop. The ones that I've dealt with at work need to sit overnight and can't be duplicated since it only ever happens when it's first started in the morning then never happens for the rest of the day.

In some rare cases, it could be the timing chain tensioner as well but I've probably only seen it once or twice over the years... and not on the same motor.

Here's a clip

https://imgur.com/a/x0jc6if

For ours if even happens after an hour or more stopped, just maybe shorter time or less intense


The video above was when the engine was hot but sitting for about 90 mins.

Where did you get the oil change done? OEM filter? any chance its a cheap filter that's not keeping the oil from draining back into the pan? would explain the timing

Toyota dealer, OEM filter. Filter thought crossed my mind too.

That rattle does sound like VVTI issues though. It’s the same rattle that happens on maserati variators.

Although I’m pretty sure it’s significantly cheaper to remedy on the Toyota engine.

Damn yeah that def doesn't sound good.

Any idea why they went to a slightly heavier oil? My understanding is VVTi requires or at least does better on a thinner oil, but 5w30 is the stock recommended oil for your rav yes?

Yeah on the engine it says 5w30 is stock recommended, so I don't know why they used 0w20 previously.

I read in other applications 0w20 can be used in the 2gr, or that some techs actually recommend it over 5w30.

Yeah I've seen the same thing and I can only assume that the change from 5w30 to 0w20 was made to slightly improve fuel efficiency as well as better sludge protection. In 2010, 5w30 may have been the recommended oil at that time, but i noticed that as time progressed, Toyota and Lexus also started to move away from their own recommended oil weight to 0w30 and now 0w20.

I guess, would it be worthwhile to talk to Toyota and have another oil change but back to 0w20?

There's no way some minor change in oil weighting is going to suddenly cause that to happen... and if you're planning to go after them, they can just say they put the recommended oil in per manu specs anyway... doubt you're gonna get anywhere going after them.

Around 2010 is when Toyota started using 0W20

yeah didn't think so either and if buddy was to ask to put the recommended specs in the manual, it would more thank likely be 5w30 anyway.

Mine 2010 Lexus Camry is still using 5w30. 0w20 isn’t thick enough for good protection on the older 2GRs I think. The newer 2GR FKS demands it because it’s more efficient with the direct / port injection functionality and requires a lighter weight oil but I’d stick to 5w30 on the older 2GR FEs