1hz knocking

Hi, sounds bad as your oil light should go out the moment the key is turned best thing it could be is the oil pump not picking up straight away, you should have pressure straight away.

I think the light was for oil level and the gauge shows pressure, what is the gauge like?

Have fun
Craig

you will never get instant oil pressure, even in a new motor it takes at least a couple of seconds though you shouldnt get a "heavy thumping noise" from the bottom end. Get someone to have a listen to it, maybe Toyota as they will have a good idea and also you will have some (minor) comeback if they say dont worry and it sh*ts itself.

Some of the 1hz motors had a problem with the main brg's, know someone who complained loudly to toyota and they pulled the bottom out and replaced them.
But it is also not a problem except for the noise, there are heaps of them around and most people just drive them as the problem never seems to fail or get any worse, otherwise it would be a common post on this site for sure.

Cheers Pesty

Hi is it a pre 92 1HZ?
If so change the bearings. The last one of mine I did, was $340 with toyota dealer doing the work so not that dear and straight forward.
The problem in the early motors is that the bearings are too soft. The turbo motors actually put a dent in the bearings, the non turbo motors mark them badly. At one point my yota forman didn't know about this prob. When he bought a turbo 80 series he said it was quiet as a mouse. He reluctantly dropped the sump and checked the bearings. They were very badly scored. The cranks are very expensive to repair or replace if you spin a bearing and score them.
I change my bearings even in late model motors every 200,000km MAX... cheap insurance.
Merry Christmas
Tour Boy

It may not be as bad as you think. Get a good diesel mechanic to have a listen - I know that may be difficult since it happens when cold.
It may be as simple as an injector or air leaking into the fuel system.
I very much doubt that its your big ends on a '99 1Hz with 140k.

Use a genuine Toyota oil filter as some of the aftermarket filters drain all the oil out of the filter when the engine is stopped for a while so you are running dry for longer at startup to fill the filter before the oil gets around the engine.

If this does not work, then see the Toyota man and see what he says, then take his advice and spend money if you need to before you are forced into spending big dollars.

Stevesub

Gday R u using correct oil and toyota filters...if not, do...filters on sale at ebay for $275 for 10.....oil self explanitory...
For piece of mind, have the bigends changed, i personally know a guy who has a 75 that had to have new bigends at a relatively low kms...think it is early 90's....
I dont think it would be a broken crank, but i have also heard of this happening at the big end journal on aftermarket turbos...either way, a set of bearings will fix it b4 it lets you down.
Andrew