sub786sub

Folks any one has information on the Timing chain tensioner. This 2010 350 V6 has one or two timing chain tensioner? And any write up on changing this on this site. Thank you in advance

Clutchless

I doubt it. What is your issue? Those should last the life of the car. You may have to pull the engine for this job. Is this something you plan to perform yourself? The ES and many other Toyota and Lexus vehicles share the 3.5 V6 which is known as the 2GR-FE engine.
Finally - go to youtube and enter the search term: toyota 2gr-fe timing chain
There are many videos showing the disassembly and rebuilding of the engine and set up of the timing chain.

sub786sub

Thanks, I am not sure if that is the rattle which is normal. After driving it for 20 miles or so I hear a little rattle when I push it to rpm above 2 K and suddenly release the gas paddle or it is just my imagination. Thought it might be good to change the tensioner which will tight the chain before it loses and create any issue. Maybe I need to listen to a normal engine sound first and compare. I just bought this a few months back at 90 K. Lexus has all maintenance records and no maintenance was missed engine pretty good shape. I saw this video ( see below ).

ESh

There is only one tensioner on 2GR-FE and it can be replaced in 30 minutes.

Clutchless

I suspect all is normal, but if worried you could get a professional diagnosis or 2 as I would not trust just one, especially if they want to tear down your engine.
Based on your mileage and maintenance history I doubt there is anything wrong with the timing chain tensioner.
It is likely a case of you have to get used to the new noises in this new to you vehicle.

sub786sub

Thanks! yes, I saw a video (posted in my earlier post) that should not take much time to replace it. When I called the Lexus dealer they told me there are two. I tried to explain that it is for the timing chain, not the belt. But I think they were not knowledgeable. I also checked the web and can not find the second one

sub786sub

Thanks! yea you are right I need to get used to it. It is a very well maintained car. The engine is super quiet but only at 2 K rev when I hear maybe it is normal. I checked many youtube videos since I posted this link and start to realize it is normal. But good to know it has only one tensioner and can be changed as a DIY small project.

Clutchless

Don't use the dealer for repairs. Find an independent Toyota specialist. This is a mechanical twin to the Camry V6. Most repair shops have worked on many of them and are very familiar with this V6 engine.
This engine is used in many Toyota & Lexus vehicles and has been in use since 2009. Think Venza, Highlander, Camry, RAV4, ES350, Avalon, IS350, RX350, GS350, etc.
You may want to change your oil. I don't know what is in it or how old it is. 5w30 synthetic may help quiet things.

iceblast

Should this be done as part of a maintenance item at a certain mileage/year?

ESh

No, and they don’t fail.

iceblast

No, this is the tensioner, not the chain itself.

Does the tensioner need replacing @ a certain interval?

ESh

No, no certain interval.

chuyrobles

It could be the decoupler unit on the alternator pulley that you are hearing. Gates recommends replacing it every 100K, but you won't see a maintenance interval entry for it in your manual. Ours seized at 130K and fried the alternator. Could also be a worn out idler bearing, or other bearing (PS, alternator, tensioner.