I know this is probably a dumb question, since most of us know that an engine that is super reliable that is ALSO louder than a typewriter on steriods is a losing prospect... but any thoughts on how to quiet it down a bit? I know the heads tick... every one I've had did. anyone slap a hood blanket on yours?
How about oiling tricks? My exhuast is pretty quiet for a header and I'm sure there's not much besides wrapping it I can do.

There's a question I meant to ask earlier... I remember reading on Summit's website a few years ago about header wrap seriously reducing a header's lifespan because of being insulated and overheating. Anyone know anything about that? Would that just be for a race-prepped motor (exhaust is much hotter) or for a stock motor? Can't find the thread anymore, that was back in '03 or something....

 

Use some sound deadener or rubberized undercoating or something and spray the engine bay. That should help with some of the noise. If you really wanted to could apply sound deadener to that area as well to help insulate some noise. Just make sure it can handle the heat.

And i know nothing about the headers wrap, sorry man. I know when my exhaust manifold cracked i used that and it helped for the time being till i got my headers, and worked good for that, but other then that i dunno. Let us know what you find.

 

well ive never heard of header wrap shortening a lifespan of a header...you would thing it would help it cause its not really the heat that kills the header, its the rapid cooldown after turning a motor off. I would think that insulation would help it.

as for the motor, it shouldnt be that loud, if your valves are ticking adjust them. properly adjusted valves are quiet. You could put an insulator on your hood and firewall to dampen the noise inside the cab as well as dynomat ( or whatever brand you prefer ) the inside of the cab to help as well.

for the exhaust i would make sure all hangers are made of rubber, run the pipe all the way out past the tailgate facing backwards and run a quiet muffler.

 

I went thru all the valves and made sure they had the correct lash. All of them were pretty much in spec. Made it easy because the gaps are on the hood sticker! Still ticks, but then again every one I've had has sounded like that.

My 20R just seems to make more noise than I'd expect, it's not loud by any means though. it's probably because it's most likely in the 300k range and it's just tired. I cleaned it up really well when I had it apart and it didn't look too bad, especially since it was an oil pump before I got it! I'm gonna keep this motor in here until it blows up, and fix whatever minor issues it has.

One thing that made a big difference was jetting it. Maybe I need to fine tune it a bit more, but it's blowing some smoke now at startup and it's fuel. it didn't do that before, and since I only increased the jetting by .008 (.137 to .145) I don't know if a .140 will be the ticket... but I may try it since I have a .140 / .145 combo I can slap in. Seems like that would be too lean though since that's only a little different from what I had in there originally.

All I know is since I swapped the jets it definately doesn't seem to struggle anymore. Just trying to knock down the typewriter a bit.

 

did ya check to make sure your guides are still intact? those can be noisy like a typewriter.

 

I have a kit BNIB if you was interested. Brought it but never needed it.

 

That's a good point, didn't think of that. The motor's seen a lot of use, I wouldn't be suprised if they were shot.

 

My 22R used to purr like a kitten.

The 20R now kinda sorta has a little bit of noise. But not anywhere near typewriter.

But yea, 7-11 lash cold. Thats a start.

 

I'm running that 7-11 too...
Initial startup (with PL30001 filter), I will hear the valves for the first few seconds as the oil pumps through.
Then when the cold idle drops, I can hear the idle slow down.
When warm, I can hear the injectors and valves slightly.

 

so basically my plan is going to be:

- Pull the valve cover and re-check the lash to 7/11. I think i already did, but it can't hurt to double check.
- Get a hood blanket.

I figure there's no way my PU is gonna be as quiet as my Scion, but there's no reason it should sound like a diesel at full throttle. It seems to run OK but I know it's got tons of miles. As long as it's running good, doesn't gulp fuel and doesn't sound like it's gonna blow apart at any second that's pretty good for 300k+.

Might do the header wrap too since it's not too expensive.

 

Just had the exhaust done, no leaks. Just looking for ways to quiet down the engine a little, and the wrap may not do that, but will reduce the underhood temps which would help power a little. I dunno, that's like 3rd on the list. I can live with it the way it is, but if I can make some small changes and improve it I will.

 

ya a slinging timing chain can make an ungodly amount of noise. pull the valve cover and check it, and while you have it off double check your valve clearence...those will definitly make a typewriter nosie. my motor purrs, but its a 22r with a single row chain instead of the double like the 20r

 

I kinda what a brand new 22RE in 94 sounded like.... lol

 

I have already done the timinig chain. Basically the only things that haven't been replaced are the block and head. Everything else has been taken apart and all gaskets replaced. Maybe it's not too loud really, maybe I'm spoiled by my old Chevy truck or my xB. I can't hear the engine in the xB to the point I'll be at 4500rpm and I can't tell at all, even with the stereo off. Done it a few times then glanced up at the tach and went... whoops! LOL!!

 

Newer cars are really sound proof and with newer suspension designs ride quite smooth. Very different from riding in our dropped trucks. I drove my moms highlander and was cruising on the freeway. Never realized i was doing 75 until the sports bikes pulled up next to me and gave me the shaka. With the ac on and cannot hear road noise you think your in a cacoon. Then i jump in my 87, no ac driving down the street and i can feel every bump and pothole.

 

its kinda tough driving something soft. I instantly get back in my truck.

 

I don't expect it to ride like my xB or anything, believe me. It's a 30 year old truck, I'd have to do TONS to it to get it there, if ever. In fact it's pretty tight really, except the motor. I figure it's just tired. Of course the TO bearing going out doesn't help.... LOL!!!