It sounds like a failing distributor you get on  "other motors" - Could this be the timing chain doing it's swansong - The 2 is now at 93,500 miles!  s:roll: :roll: s:roll:

Unlikely, what oil levels do you have currently?
is that when cold?
Does it go away when it gets warm?

Quote from: "uktotty"Unlikely, what oil levels do you have currently?
is that when cold?
Does it go away when it gets warm?

Yep - when cold
Yep - it goes away when warm
Oil level just under max!!

My oil level is on max but ticks some times mainly when the weather is cold and the automatic choke is on,then the noise goes away,I think it might be an mr2 thing.

Quote from: "nimrod"My oil level is on max but ticks some times mainly when the weather is cold and the automatic choke is on,then the noise goes away,I think it might be an mr2 thing.

I do hope so - I don't want to start "hunt the problem under the hood" if there is no need!!  s:roll: :roll: s:roll:

Hopefully you will receive more replies from the experts on this matter,I,m not an expert just know it happens to mine on the odd occasion then the ticking noise goes away,hoping all is well  s:D s:D

I know what it's like chasing down a problem you know is there but can't identify fully.
The chain is good for over 100K miles, though one in a turbo engine was pretty stretched soon after 100K miles.

Also the chain tensioner can lose it's oomph before 100K miles and would possibly need replacing.
If you're not using oil then that's good news.

If you're up to diy work then there is a way to check the chain for stretch to see if it's getting beyond it's life.
Remember that those cams have been going around for a long time, with the followers pushing the valves down so they may have a bit of wear. So it's also worth checking the valve clearances and exploring if any of the buckets need replacing or moving around.

The 1ZZ is a relatively noisy engine, and age makes it no better ... being right behind your head tends to make you listen more intently to the noises it makes and they can play on your mind. Can I ask what oil you're using and what grade it is? As engines age then there's a good case for changing the grade as the engine ages to sort out these noises that are caused by the clearances increasing inside the lump.

I'm using Castrol Edge 5w30 the engine seems to thrive on it!! - Today there has been no ticking (weather not cold but wet) When I had the ticking I had ice formed on windscreen after 2 had been stood all night  s:? :? s:?  Must be surrounding temps the root of the problem - Perhaps it's the 2 telling me it wants to be tucked up at night!!  s8) s8)