In the morning, after starting the engine, I can hear the knocking sound (like in diesel engine) for 2-3 seconds & then it disappears, service man told me, that the problem is caused by VVTI socket because of lack of oil during the few seconds after start.

They can replace the VVTI socket but:

1) They need deeply disassemble the engine
2) The knocking sound can return back in 6-10 months

What you guys think, should I replace it? Are there any known cases of VVTI socket death because of that knocking (if yes, on what mileage) ?

 

hey
i get the same sound, but rarely (ive heard it twice) and lexus wont fix it cuz i dont have proof, and i dont know when its gonna happen, so its not like im gonna recrod me starting the car everytime

i also notice its during cold starts
lexus told me it doesnt damage the engine aswell

 

There was a recall for something like this - ask them about it.

 

I know about recall & I know that they can fix it for free but I doubt because:

1) They need deeply disassemble the engine (the engine wont work better after that)
2) The knocking sound can return back in 6-10 months

 

Looking on L-SB-0155-08 the camshaft timing gears are replaced, the new part number is 13050-31121, but there is also one notification "warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customers specific complaint", so the problem wont cause any technical troubles just knocking noise?

What is more frustrating is amount of manipulations with engine (about 100 steps) & I doubt that local lexus service can done them all perfectly.