Pass V1

Hello Everyone, I have a 97 ES300 with 92000 miles. The car ran fine until one day the starter broke. So I had a new starter installed. The mechanic who installed the starter couldn't the engine to run and claimed the timing had jumped and now the valves are bent. I think this is untrue because the engine suppose to be non-interferance and about 3 yrs ago the dealer did the full timing belt and water pump replacement. I now have it home and got it started.
Current status is it starts fine, idles smooth, no vibrations,no smoke, producing good power, but it is making a knocking sound. That varies with the rpm. It is almost as if I can keep driving it normally except for the knock.I was told the engine is shot by my neighbor.
Is this a common sign of a blown engine? How can I determine for sure what is wrong as far as top end or bottom end? If it is a head problem I will just do the job. Before I go buy another engine I will like to first troubleshoot this one. Any input will be appreciated.

BDSL

If the noise wasn't there before the starter replacement, and the noise appeared with the new starter, then I would start looking into the starter first.

llcoolpass

there are a lot of things to check , you can search the internet, but i would rec taking it to two other shops for their opinion. can't diagnose an engine issue over the internet too well with that info

Bdub215

iTrader: (1)

could you record a video of it?

capnfred

if you want to try and diagnose it, get a mechanics stethoscope, listen to the engine and try and find out where the noise is coming from, I agree with the post above that it is suspicious that the noise started with the installation of the starter motor.... sooo I would look around that area to see if maybe the noise is related to the starter. When you say knock, is it loud, soft, high pitched, or more of a thunking, did you check the oil level. These are a few ideas. Good luck....

Capn

Pass V1

Well I used a stethoscope and listened it seemed to be from the head on the front side. So I pulled the valve cover and cams nothing stood out all the at least on that sideThe valves seem to spring back fine. It is a loud thunking sound. Also checked the timing it was fine and no metal in the oil. But there was tons of carbon sitting in the head.

GEORGE_JET

Just a thought, but maybe you should pull the starter and check the flexplate. Being that the problems started with the starter replacement.
You stated that the original mechanic could not get the engine to run, how did you get the engine to run?

Pass V1

I got it to run by just cranking it. First couple of times it sputtered now it cranks up and run fine. Also pulled the starter nothing out of the ordinary was noticed.

GEORGE_JET

In that case, I would turn the engine over by hand (with a socket on the harmonic balancer) and check the run out of the flexplate. I suspect that the mechanic damaged the flexplate.

03 ES

Id be going after that shop since it appears they have screwed you over

LCBooth

As soon as I turn the key, white smoke coming out of the tailpipe and hammering sound from top of engine any clue where to look first?