Cold Start Engine Noise
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: ny
engine noise
Yes the 2009 has the same noise,just picked up my ES 350
and like most until its warmed up you get it. I have been in Toyota 4cyl 1.8 and 2.4cyl when cold and there the same.
Piston slap is the cause, it seems this is only a Toyota problem,yet they say its normal. Drive easy until warm and the noise goes away. Far as I know its been the same since
2003 and I believe it will be this way in the future. I don't know what there thinking is on this issue.
and like most until its warmed up you get it. I have been in Toyota 4cyl 1.8 and 2.4cyl when cold and there the same.
Piston slap is the cause, it seems this is only a Toyota problem,yet they say its normal. Drive easy until warm and the noise goes away. Far as I know its been the same since
2003 and I believe it will be this way in the future. I don't know what there thinking is on this issue.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 1
From: MD
I don't think we are talking about the same noise. This noise is specific to the 3.5L engine and is very common on 2007 models. It only happens when the temperature is below 40 degrees. Lexus customer service is aware of the issue, believe me I have spoken to them numerous times about it.
On the 09 ES350 loaner I just drove last week, the noise was not present. Seems the issue is fixed.
On the 09 ES350 loaner I just drove last week, the noise was not present. Seems the issue is fixed.
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 161
Likes: 8
From: Texas
0
My 2007 ES350 has this loud noise when starting, I have attached a video clip. If it is noise from timing chain, am I correct that timing chain replacement is not as important as would be with a belt?
I have an 07 ES350 with 25,000 miles on it. Last year I ask the service mgr about the cold start tapping noise. He said the ES350 has a timing chain vs a timing belt. The noise is attributed to the chain until warmup. I have dealt with the same service mgr for about ten years while owning seven various lexus models. He has always been responsive and solved every problem to my satisfaction. While I don't like the noise I have no reason to doubt his explanation. PS, the timing chain never requires replacement versus 90k life for the timing belt. The noise is not pre-ignition due to 78 octane gas, I am sure of that.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 544
From: CA
Your movie clip was too short to hear much. Search the 5th gen ES forum on this "noise upon starting" and you will find much more info on this than you see in this old thread. Some have cured the noise by going to 10W-30 oil. All efforts to clean the oil passageways, rings and valve train using Seafoam or Marvel Mystery Oil may help. Regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil like Penzoil Platinum Ultra can help too.
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