mhaysberry

Im looking to join the LS club and am currently looking at an 01 LS430 with 136,000 on the clock from my local Copart. The overall condition is decent, however, it has a knock when idling right after start up and upon acceleration. I wasn't given all that much time to do a thorough inspection and find the culprit, but to me it sounds like a rod knock. Could it possibly be a lifter tick or related to it sitting on the Copart yard? Lack of oil change or coolant maybe? The auction isn't until tuesday so I have time to go back and re-inspect it.

Thank you in advance

-Matthew

TriC

Lifter noise and rod knock are distinctly different, at least in my experience. Regardless, unless you are a dedicated DIYer on a very limited budget, I would steer clear of any car exhibiting such a symptom of ill health.

2KHarrier

Agreed.. It sounds like it could be hellacious lifter noise, which could mean the oil hasn't been changed since the Office was still on NBC on Thursday nights...

Unless you're willing to take the risk, keep looking...

02blkgs430

iTrader: (1)

That sounds pretty bad, I would look for another LS if I were you but that's just me
good luck

911LE

It's definitely not a lifter noise as these engines don't have hydraulic lifters. Sounds like a rod knock. If you are handy and get it for a good price a used engine can be had for around $1k.

lextout

Johnhav430

I would want to try it with a tank of premium....my 1998 Maxima "recommended" 91 octane or higher, and I ran it for 20 years using regular 87. It would routinely knock when starting out. When the knock sensor went bad (around 2015 when the car was 17), I made sure to use premium until I fixed it. Knocking in itself is not bad if it has to do with the gasoline, provided the knock sensor is operational....just my .02

also maybe pull the codes if any...

BCT

Did you check if the car has oil? You maybe immediately looking at replacing the motor after you take it home, so take that into consideration for the price you pay. It is a CL or UL based on the headlight washer on the front bumper.

+1 what Johnhav430 said - pull a code if you can.

Good luck and let us know if you end up buying it.

Johnhav430

this is how my mom thinks (although she never did it). I did with a Volvo, spent $900 for a used motor/tranny installed, and drove the car for 8 years. But if I haven't bought the car yet, I wouldn't plan on this action, just me....