Noisy Pre-heater?

[bleeding green]

Hi, I just noticed that with my ignition on there is a rattling sound coming from the engine bay. I can't tell if it's there when the engine is running becuase the the engine is too loud. I only just noticed it and I am not sure how long it's been there as I don't think I have ever looked under the bonnet with the ignition on.

I thought is may be coming from the glow plug pre-heater but the noise stays on even once the dash board light turns off.

I then located the part that it's coming from (a component mounted to the drivers side of the actual engine). I confirmed it was this by disconecting an electrical plug and the noise stopped. However I don't know what it's called or what it does. I might ahve to take another look at it and describe it or post a photo.

Does anyone have any expereince with what I may be referring to? I will stop by my usual mechanic tomorrow but I'd like to go there with some knowledge.

btw, the hilux is the aug 09 release d4d auto sr5

[Luxi46]

The sound's coming from the turbo stepper motor. Adjusts the vanes of the turbo for optimal boost. That rattling sound is normal mate, no need for a mechanic.

[Moiv]

^^ My thoughts exactly.
Then you turn the key to ON the turbo stepper motor starts clicking away.
There was another thread on this a while back. Some people reakon theirs stopped ticking after a while, others (including myself) found that no matter how long you waited it would keep on ticking.

[boxhead55]

It always will as the motor runs at a duty 80% or so when off. It is not a steeper motor or on off motor so the duty will always make the motor make a noise.
They are always making that noise engine off or engine running. The frequency of the noise changes with the duty frequency

[bleeding green]

Thanks for the replies. I don't know anything about turbo veins or duty steppers. But I'm happy to hear its normal.

I wouldn't describe it as a clicking noise. It sounds more like a rattle.

[boxhead55]

yep rattle it is you will be fine

[bleeding green]

Excellent, thanks for your help. Glad to hear it just before a big trip.