2007 ES350 Rattle on Warm Start
07-07-21, 07:12 PM
#1
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2007 ES350 Rattle on Warm Start
Hey this is my first post on this forum. I own a 2007 ES350 that has 150k miles on it. The only issue i have with it is a loud start up rattle that lasts about a second. I've noticed it only rattles upon starting when the engine is warm (after it sits for 1-2 hours) but not when it had time to cool down. It also doesn't rattle if i shut it off and turn it on again within an hour so i haven't been able to get a mechanic to hear it. It sounds horrible and its extremely embarrassing. Other than that the car runs and drives perfectly so i'm wondering if anyone else experienced this same problem and if there is a cost effective fix.
07-07-21, 11:29 PM
#2
It’s the cam gear rattle.
What oil you use?
What oil you use?
07-08-21, 01:42 AM
#3
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Im not sure which oil exactly, i take it to a shop down the street for an oil change every few months but I tell them to use synthetic. Is this an issue that should be addressed asap? Im worried it will take a **** on me in the middle of a busy week.
07-08-21, 06:14 AM
#4
It all depends. I would ask the shop what oil they use.
Personally I would put an original filter and Mobil 1 EP 5W30.
Did you check the oil level?
Personally I would put an original filter and Mobil 1 EP 5W30.
Did you check the oil level?
07-08-21, 09:13 AM
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alright i just got some Mobil 1EP 5W30 and an original lexus oil filter. Im hoping this at least makes it a little better. I called the shop and they said they use a synthetic blend. I don’t know what that is or if its bad for the motor but if this mobil 1 works I definitely will not be bringing my car back there. I appreciate the help and ill keep this thread updated incase someone else out there is experiencing the exact same thing with their es350.
07-08-21, 12:10 PM
#6
Did you consider flushing the engine before this oil change?
07-08-21, 05:33 PM
#7
This might be the VVTI oil line rattle and if it is, is due to low oil pressure. The VVTI rattle was due to the oil line deteriorating over time. This is a TSB fix if I recall and can be catastrophic unless addressed immediately. Some owners say they have "lived" with the rattle sound, others say it caused a massive oil leak and thus destruction of engine. Not sure what type of cost it will be.. but IIRC toyota was fixing this for free when the 2gr started presenting this problem
Get this checked out by a dealer ASAP don't bull**** around with an independent mechanic who might not recognize a common problem.
Get this checked out by a dealer ASAP don't bull**** around with an independent mechanic who might not recognize a common problem.
Last edited by tronimrich; 07-08-21 at 05:36 PM.
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07-29-21, 11:22 PM
#9
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Most likely your starter going out. I had that rattle on start's too it was a hit or miss, didn't matter if it was warm or cold. The rattle was evident from 240k miles on mine and it finally gave out this last week at 315k miles. Very surprised it lasted that long. Teeth on the starter were completely gone. Just make sure you put a oem denso starter in it, don't mess around with these aftermarket ones not worth it won't last as long as oem ones.
07-30-21, 06:17 AM
#10
Are you sure the noise is coming from the engine? I’m in the northeast and here it’s common on older cars for the catalytic converter covers/heat shields to rust and partially break free. When you first turn the car on everything shakes so you here what sounds like rocks in a tin can for a second or two.
09-30-21, 08:29 PM
#11
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Has anyone actually had the recall performed on a RX350? Doesn't seem to be covered.
My old 06 GS300 with the 3GR-FSE did the same thing for years. I thought it was fixed on the 2GR-FE, but noticed it on my RX350 even worse. I remember thicker oil like 10W-30 seemed better on the GS for reducing noise.
One strange thing I've noticed recently is that parking at an angle with passenger side lower seems to prevent noise. I'll need to test it a bit more, but I've been parking in the same spot and it's been quiet after a full night and it usually clatters after more than an hour off. Maybe it keeps some oil from draining all of the way.
My old 06 GS300 with the 3GR-FSE did the same thing for years. I thought it was fixed on the 2GR-FE, but noticed it on my RX350 even worse. I remember thicker oil like 10W-30 seemed better on the GS for reducing noise.
One strange thing I've noticed recently is that parking at an angle with passenger side lower seems to prevent noise. I'll need to test it a bit more, but I've been parking in the same spot and it's been quiet after a full night and it usually clatters after more than an hour off. Maybe it keeps some oil from draining all of the way.
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10-02-21, 01:20 PM
#12
Pole Position
Hold off on using the 5W-30 oil you bought. I agree with RXISGX. Going to a slightly higher viscosity oil like a 10W-30 has helped others on CL with this start-up noise. With as high of miles as you have, I would also recommend "high-mileage" motor oil to help keep the VVTi valve train controls clean.
10-02-21, 04:20 PM
#13
Use fully synth 5W30 and do 5000 miles OCI and you’re good.
10-10-21, 07:53 AM
#15
That is not possible.
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