I have a noise which has developed in my 2.0 TD auto Lite Ace over the last 150 miles of going back on the road.
The history of this is:- The vehicle was off the road with engine un-run for over a year and is now only back in use. Oil and filter were changed prior to it going back on road. The noise originally was only there at tickover and occurred when drive was engaged. Now it is also in neutral and as the revs are increased in excess of 2500 it appears to disappear. It’s worse at about 1400 revs. When a long screwdriver is placed against the engine and your ear placed against the handle you can listen to the internal engine noises. Using this technique I believe the noise is low down, i.e. Sump, Power Steering pump, lower timing belt case and not gearbox. The sound is of a “ Chop Chop Chop “type. I thought of the timing belt slapping the plastic casing. Thus the original question posted. Listening with the screwdriver it’s a more metallic noise. I’m now starting to think of Big Ends. The oil light goes out quickly but also comes on quickly if you stop the engine and turn the ignition back on.
I would appreciate any ideas. - (#160) Stephen Judge, 19 May 01

Stephen,
Check all the various belts for tension. After that it could be ( don't laugh) the exhaust manifold gasket, or indeed, big ends or mains. There could have been some corrosion of the bearings while the engine was laid up, especially if the oil was old...
I'm in Newtownards, if you're in need of another ear... - (#162) david miller, 20 May 01

Removed Timimg cover to investigate this noise which had developed a distinctive metallic slant. With belts removed the Crankshaft pulley was found to be loose. Probably never re-tightened properly after the last timing belt replacement. Crankshaft pulley is cracked! Replacement 4 belt Crankshaft pulley and Key urgently required for 2.0TD Lite Ace, offers welcome! - (#170) Stephen Judge, 21 May 01

Beatties?
(remember you don't need the front pulley (p/s)
If it's just the outer that's cracked, someone has used the wrong puller to get it off in the past. - (#171) david miller, 21 May 01

No luck with any NI dismantlers / importers and even some UK mainland ones. Ended up through the local Toyota dealer - 2 day delivery, :- Pulley, key, backplate and nut ---150 pounds. Needs Must !
David the fine metal dust was the backplate wearing away! Thanks for your ear. - (#177) stephen Judge, 23 May 01

Ordered the parts from Toyota, they were given the usual model details etc
But the wrong pulley arrived.I require a 4 belt pulley. 1 for steering pump, 1 for air con and 2 for alternator. They sent a 3 belt pulley. They don't understand why this happened based on my model details. Could be I have a replacement engine. Now they require my engine number. Can anyone enlighten me on models / engine types of 2.0L TD's that have 2 alternator drive belts. - (#206) stephen Judge, 25 May 01

thanks to a response from this site ( dm )i was informed of the correct part no, for the crankshaft pulley ( 4 belt ), for my model and year of lite ace and i was therefore able to inform toyota. toyoya dealers ni.( perceived the experts ) obviously do not full understand their parts lists. this valdates the need for this site - (#251) stephen judge, 1 Jun 01