Toyota highlander variable valve timing rattle fix

[@yuhanzhang4939]

Hi David, this is a very common problem on Highlanders, and if you could make a video showing how it is done it would help a lot of people out including me. Looking forward to it!

[@v--p]

I have 2008 highlander with 178k miles no rattle but I also run 5w30 instead 5w20 that Toyota recommends for fuel efficiency. Do my oil changes every 5-6k miles and make sure to aways put 6.5 qrts. Keeping oil at recommended levels helps VVT gears from overheating and eventually rattling. Definitely one of the best v6 engines in the last 20 years.

[@davidrobertson8035]

I did the video showing my solution for the rattle problem just to see if anyone is interested. If I got enough attention I was going to make a better video showing how it is done . I now have this on a few other vehicles and it seems to work quite well.

[@williamwhitlock2701]

hi David thanks for the video. do you remember what type solenoid valve you have been using.

[@davidrobertson8035]

@@williamwhitlock2701 it's just a 20 dollar 12 volt solenoid valve bought off ebay

[@williamwhitlock2701]

@@davidrobertson8035 thanks

[@javiermontes3777]

Be nice and see how you do that

[@stevestevens4596]

Thanks Dave I would also like to see a installation vidio I have subscribed to your channel

[@jeremyjackson8241]

Hey David. I was curious if you ever got around to making a detailed video on how to build and install this prelube system? Thanks for the video.

[@jean-pierremallet3524]

I did what someone else considered a vvt rattle fix on KZbin and worked. Just replace both valve cover gaskets and double o-rings.my 2013 Highlander has 195k km. All valve cover gaskets were hard and drying up. Althought no leaks the double orings seems to be the culprit. I think the quick rattle on startup is shorter than before

[@Mshi-]

That's sounds like an expensive fix

[@jean-pierremallet3524]

@@Mshi- I did it myself. 50$ at the most for the gaskets

[@Mshi-]

But your Highlander has the updated 3.5 2GR engine I have the 2008 Model ​@jean-pierremallet3524

[@truthtimetv4575]

As basic as this is this would be a great video to actually tell us all how to do this as well. An ABC with parts list and even links to stuff to build it. I’m so sick of the rattle lol

[@wellnesspathforme6236]

Thanks for posting. This is a very creative application, but the explanation assumes a fair amount of specific knowledge, which people new to this game, like me, don't have yet. Even so, I know what is possible down the road, and thanks for that. I have a 2001 Camry with a 2AZ-FE that knocks on start up, and I'm curious if something like this could resolve the issue. BTW, do you add in a little extra oil on oil changes to account for the oil that sits in the reservoir? If so, how much seems to be working best? 1. Proper sized propane tank reservoir (~1.5 qts of oil) 2. Oil pressure out (where sending unit would normally be) is directed into tank using hoses. 3. Solenoid valve releases pressurized oil when ignition is turned on. 4. Has switch to allow 60 lbs. of oil pressure worth of oil to be stored in reservoir on lower dash board. 5. Fitting (1/8 in. imperial to 1/8 in. pipe thread). 6. 1/4 in. dia. hose x 3 ft. hydraulic line (at tractor supply shop, no doubt down the street in every big city. ;-) 7. Hydraulic line goes up to a valve (connected to the propane tank???). 8. Propane tank had fitting (???) welded to it. Information from this video might help someone looking for a bit more detail than is in this video: Solving Engine Rattle during Engine Startup on Toyota Highlander,RAV4,Camry,Sienna and Venza -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3y4gqWOnLR2aK8

[@joaquinsegura-mora1155]

Would be life saving if you made the build video, this rattle is driving me crazy. Thanks !

[@TheKbnrba]

Hey David would really appreciate a detailed video and the parts you used , because certain Lexus models have the same cam shaft rattle on cold start up including mine, due to the oil draining out, thanks ✌🏽

[@godsarmy3450]

Same here

[@natehess7663]

Duh!😊

[@TheXxXxX86]

Interested, is it possible to demonstrate in a separate video how did you install it? I have the same issue on my both highlanders 2008 and 2010

[@williamwhitlock2701]

William Whitlock Hi David thanks for the video. do you remember what type solenoid valve you have been using.

[@billwheeler5782]

Did he use a pump motor to pump the oil into the motor

[@jeremyrosencrans64]

Seafoam treatment to clean passages in the pin not closing in the vvt sprocket then synthetic 0-40 to lower viscosity @ startup or 0-30 for colder climates is another option.

[@OSCARANDRES039]

Has this actually work for you??? I thought about the same thing last week and I even though of usingWD40 or Mistery oil, some how injected directly in to the cam gear.

[@stevenz2109]

Brilliant. Id love a detailed video also

[@محمدعلي-م8ر7ط]

How did you do it ? Can you show us the part and how do install it? please!

[@colchronic]

What kind of reservoir did you use and what kind of solenoid did you use my Lexus has the same problem

[@davidrobertson8035]

tank is a propane tank ...and just a 12 volt solenoid valve bought off ebay

[@colchronic]

@@davidrobertson8035 like a tank for a torch. How did you attach it

[@davidrobertson8035]

@@colchronic i made sure that it was empty and welded a fitting on it .. but you could use any small tank that can handle the pressure

[@colchronic]

@@davidrobertson8035 last question where exactly did you attach it to I know you cheated into some place but I'm not sure where to tee it to

[@davidrobertson8035]

@@colchronic i took the oil pressure sending unit out and attach the hydraulic line there . at the other end i put a tee . the sending unit goes in one port ..the valve in the other and the pressure tank is behind the valve .

[@TheChirodude]

I want to do this for my 2010 Rav4. Would be so grateful if you could add a parts list to the notes.

[@act1512]

Hey David, I have watched this several times and conceptually makes sense but I am having hard time finding the parts. Would you be willing to put together the same parts and sell to me? I have 2 cars I want to do this to and it would help greatly.

[@davidrobertson8035]

that is possible .. i have been working on a update video too

[@mingyang1922]

Yes I have 2008 highlander needing this mod bad. Please let me know if the kit of your design is available. Thanks.

[@OSCARANDRES039]

Yes same here!! We need a how to video. Please!!

[@Az-hn7xi]

Would adding a oil pump between the oil drain plug and oil pressure sending unit work as well? Making the pump work only while cranking the engine

[@davidrobertson8035]

Yes ! But put a check valve between the pump and the engine . I tried this too . It works great.

[@country_gbrony721]

I did this for my sienna, after a year of pre-lubing the rattle is gone

[@amitsunoko7270]

We knew you could do it. *Pride*

[@wellnesspathforme6236]

David, can you link a parts list and general instructions pdf link in your Video Description box? A detailed video would really be nice, but the instructions are fine if that's quicker. Even faster would be to reply to my comment below where I tried to put together a parts list. You could copy and paste what I wrote, and then correct it and add explanatory comments. When you do an updated video, you could title it, "How to Dramatically Extend the Life of Your Vehicle's Engine for about $100". This type of system could be standard on all vehicles to optimize engine life, not just on vehicles with engines that rattle at start up.

[@rhkona]

Awesome vid, I just picked up an rx and I was unaware of the vvti issues. What kind of fitting did you use on the propane tank to add the oil and how did you position it onto the front end? What kind of Tee did you use?

[@davidrobertson8035]

I welded a 1/8 inch pipe nipple to the tank after i made sure it didn't have any propane in it. And the used a brass 1/8 inch tee for the hose and sending unit ..i am going to post a new video this coming weekend of how to do it.

[@rhkona]

@@davidrobertson8035 You're a God send. I just dropped good money on an '09 RX, and a massive wave of worry punched the gut thinking of the repair cost. Please, with all do respect, provide info for a donation.

[@rhkona]

Hey David, I'm going to give this a go based on your info. I'm not much of a handy person, but can you tell me what kind of pipe nipple and brass tee you used? Seems there's various kinds like male to male, male to female, etc. Can you explain the install in detail from how your positioned the tank from the tee you welded, the type of hyrdrolic line attached to the brassed tee, and then what follows? Anyways, thanks in advance.

[@OSCARANDRES039]

Can u make a video step by step. Thanks

[@Phil-D83]

Run a flush. Use sone restlone nano pirme in the subsequent oil change. Fixes the issues

[@davidrobertson8035]

Wish that would work....

[@Phil-D83]

@@davidrobertson8035 fixed the rattle

[@clayconnolly1673]

Do you think of it wasn't fixed it would be a serious problem? Say I'm planning to drive the car into the ground and don't mind the rattle start

[@davidrobertson8035]

It sounds terrible - so it bothered me so much that I wanted it fixed ...but I have never seen one fail either

[@jjr694]

I got the same vehicle and same problem. Thx.

[@jjr694]

I did the same fix as you to my highlander. Problem solved. Starts up with no rattle when pre oiled. Thx for posting.

[@tlatoanimachi]

@@jjr694 Im not as technical, could you make an explanation video?

[@theshogunbeatlab]

it seems like you spent more money on this project than you would have spent just buying the vvt solenoid and replacing it?

[@davidrobertson8035]

Solenoid is not the problem.... Cam phasers are the problem... They can't be changed with the engine in the car . My fix cost only about 40 dollars and it hasn't rattled in over 60000 miles ...but you are the expert i guess 😅

[@natehess7663]

Please SHOW US HOW THE PARTS R LAID OUT! Your video is not helpful unless we càn see more. Im sure many poeple would love to see your setup. It sounds very smart! Very cool by the way! 😊😊 Id b doing it forsure i just need to see were you conect3d things and more of a complete discription. Thanks in advance! There r literally tons of these engines out here.

[@juliosdiy3206]

Its what a crappie chain timing suppose to do it takes up to a minute for the motor to lube up n quiet down.

[@shaneweidle8804]

So how did you fix it? please do a better video.

[@wilsonemeka1833]

So 2 years later you still haven't deemed it fit to show us how you did it

[@eliezerramosjr1017]

Very dangerous at A Toyota tech and owner of a highlander I implore not to do so. Easier or just as easy to replace phaser. You will be glad in the longer run. Best wishes

[@davidrobertson8035]

How is it dangerous to prelube the engine before starting it ? This way the bearings all have oil before the engine even turns .

[@OSCARANDRES039]

And what is a Phaser???

[@williesutton9800]

Come On Dave you have to lead us to the promised land please make a video thank you

[@oldtimerman59]

…or just use 5/40 full synthetic engine oil , that got rid of my 2008 Highlander/Kluger start up rattle

[@davidrobertson8035]

i tried different oils

[@andybub45]

This is not the right fix. The correct fix is to get the VVTI gears replaced. While the startup chatter is rare, it is fatal when it gets really bad.

[@davidrobertson8035]

I agree ..but it works ..100 dollar fix versus several thousand ...

[@andybub45]

@@davidrobertson8035 I guess it depends on how much longer you intend to keep the vehicle.

[@bobd9868]

Yeah, thats an engine out job. These engines blow, I’m not sure why the hype on these especially with this issue. Mine failed and sent metal through the engine. I swapped in a used one with 60k miles. Color me Toyota unimpressed.

[@ireallyreallyreallylikethisimg]

@@bobd9868 I really don't understand the hype either.

[@jotu173]

Good video BUT also LAME!!! Video summary... This is what I did (a good idea), I want to see if there is interest in this video and TALK in the comments about making a more in depth DIY one, but then I won't... and I will continue to ignore MANY, MANY, requests for a DIY video on this subject as I am not going to put any more actual effort into showing you HOW I did this (other than randomly commenting). THANK GOD 99% of KZbin does not use this same philosophy.

[@Branhawk]

Is this the rattle upon startup? Mine has done it forever but 220k miles still runs perfectly

[@davidrobertson8035]

Yes the cold engine start up rattle