Ticking and Smoking - 1998 ES300 209,000 miles
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I've been reading about Seafoam and there are not many (if any) negative comments about it. I think I'll try it. Thanks. My new mechanic also said a heavier weight oil will help what ticking is left.
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You should adopt me.
Last edited by 12340987; 06-11-09 at 07:42 PM. Reason: is it dual package or projector?
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I'm looking to get another four years or 36,000 miles out of the car. I only drive about 9,000 miles a year. The ticking is still there, although not as bad as before. But, it's annoying more than anything else.
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Yeah that is odd, can someone explain that? I have some ticking from the same area that I thought was normal, and if I could get it to the point where I couldn't hear it, it would be nice. I do have a 3vz though.
You should adopt me.
You should adopt me.
I'll only adopt you if are a Certified Lexus mechanic. :-)
#21
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Must be 110 degrees in georgia right now.
What grade oil are you using? How many miles do you drive the car every day?
I'd say 10w30, because you can use that in virtually any car, in any climate. 10w40 may not be out of the question.
coolpass is right though, just using thicker oil wouldn't address the problem. Unless you are using really thin oil now.
What grade oil are you using? How many miles do you drive the car every day?
I'd say 10w30, because you can use that in virtually any car, in any climate. 10w40 may not be out of the question.
coolpass is right though, just using thicker oil wouldn't address the problem. Unless you are using really thin oil now.
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Why do you want to use thicker oil? These engines have mechanical lifters, if they were hydraulic lifters, I could see the point. If you think that it is the valves than I would suggest adj them.. Are you sure it is not a exhaust leak up bu the header flange?
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Unfortunatly, I'm not a mechanic and can't just adjust the valves. I'd have to pay someone. From what I understand, they'd have to remove the valve covers. but, I just replaced the gaskets. From what I understand, adjusting valves is expensive. One of the reputable and certified Lexus mechanics said that a heavier weight oil might "soften the ticking", but obviously not fix it. I just don't like the ticking "sound" which I can hear when the passengers window is down and the ticking sound bounces off a car or wall to my right.
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If the valves are making that much noise, I would be VERY concerned. Take the car to another idenpendent shop and ask them what they think. Most small shops will be happy to listen to the engine and give you a second opinion for free. Read some of the other posts about experiences people have had taking the cars to a dealer. Some of their mechanics are very good, and some I would not want changing out a light bulb. Do not put too much faith in their certification.
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Here is something I found on the web about troubleshooting exhaust leaks. I recomend at least giving the exhaust system a good visual inspection, look for discoloration, especially the rear bank.
With mechanical lifters, it does not make any sense that one bank would make soo much more noise than the other. You would hope that the wear would be a little more even. A leak makes more sense. And unfortunately more serious due the CO.
troubleshootexhaust.txt
With mechanical lifters, it does not make any sense that one bank would make soo much more noise than the other. You would hope that the wear would be a little more even. A leak makes more sense. And unfortunately more serious due the CO.
troubleshootexhaust.txt
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Here is something I found on the web about troubleshooting exhaust leaks. I recomend at least giving the exhaust system a good visual inspection, look for discoloration, especially the rear bank.
With mechanical lifters, it does not make any sense that one bank would make soo much more noise than the other. You would hope that the wear would be a little more even. A leak makes more sense. And unfortunately more serious due the CO.
Attachment 145502
With mechanical lifters, it does not make any sense that one bank would make soo much more noise than the other. You would hope that the wear would be a little more even. A leak makes more sense. And unfortunately more serious due the CO.
Attachment 145502
BTW, I took it to an independent Lexus shop (Not dealership) to have the VCGs done. They didn't think the ticking was that big of a deal.
Last edited by mpringle; 06-13-09 at 09:07 PM.
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I took my to a dealer and they told me a lot of thing that weren't true. You could probably get a mechanics stethoscope for $10 and poke around until you find something. I've read suggestions for using a length of hose or pipe to pinpoint noises.
If an exhaust bolt happens to be loose it might rattle just right to make that noise. Just push/pull/wiggle on all the exhaust parts and see.
This ticking happens in park/neutral/drive right? Nothing to do with speed?
If an exhaust bolt happens to be loose it might rattle just right to make that noise. Just push/pull/wiggle on all the exhaust parts and see.
This ticking happens in park/neutral/drive right? Nothing to do with speed?
#28
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your problem reminds me of so mnay jap. engines ive worked on.
look at the engine for sludge, oi lstarvation causing noise at high rpm from oil starvation
look at oil pressure readings at idle, then at 3000
look at the engine for sludge, oi lstarvation causing noise at high rpm from oil starvation
look at oil pressure readings at idle, then at 3000
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I took my to a dealer and they told me a lot of thing that weren't true. You could probably get a mechanics stethoscope for $10 and poke around until you find something. I've read suggestions for using a length of hose or pipe to pinpoint noises.
If an exhaust bolt happens to be loose it might rattle just right to make that noise. Just push/pull/wiggle on all the exhaust parts and see.
This ticking happens in park/neutral/drive right? Nothing to do with speed?
If an exhaust bolt happens to be loose it might rattle just right to make that noise. Just push/pull/wiggle on all the exhaust parts and see.
This ticking happens in park/neutral/drive right? Nothing to do with speed?
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I drives GREAT and the slight ticking is the ONLY problem so far. I can live with it if it doesn't get loud. I only paid $3500 for the 98' ES300 two weeks ago.