wbudna

Hello everyone, first time post and first time to the forum, i have been looking around and the site is great. Well I just purchase a new to me 96 es300 with get this 278000 yes 278000 it runs and look good for the year I only paid 1700 for it fyi
but it starts fine(1) but has a noise coming from the engine that i can't id. it sounds like its the valves but Im not sure. I hope its not the engine or something major? ac on or off same noise

HERE'S THE VIDEO I DID WITH MY IPHONE GO TOO(QIK.COM/WBUDNA)

(2) the trans shifts smooth on first and second but when it shifts to third it makes a small jolt what can that be???
(3) there's a small knocking noise from the rear shocks sound like metal to metal but i look under the car and all bushing seems ok
please take a look at the engine running video its 2 mins long so please help id, your feedback is greatly needed.
thanks in advance

MikeLex

A few ideas:
(1) If for some reason the valvetrain was removed at some point, it may not have been reinstalled and adjusted properly.
(2) Considering the price you paid for the car, live with this small jolt.
(3) Shocks and/or strut mounts.

wbudna

thanks for your reply, like you said the price I paid for it I have to live with it. but do you think that jolt will turn into me replacing the trans?
im going to replace the rear shocks in the near future
thanks again

PFB

A couple more ideas

1) valves need adjustment (part of scheduled maintenance)
2) wrong oil, or wrong oil grade.

wbudna

today I change the oil at firestone they had the high milage oil but that did not change the noise and they did a check on the car but said they didn't find anything wrong so I don,t know what that noise is but it drives with full power on the highway, no hesitation I step on the gas and the old girl responded , so im just trying to make sure everything is Ok.

If it needs valve adjustment is that something a dyi can do or does it need to go to the dealer?

How much would something like that cost?

is there a dyi guide for valve adjustment?

Thanks

MikeLex

There's no need to go to the dealer. If I were you I'd take the car to a few reputable repair shops and ask for an estimate (free).