I have a strange problem with my 2008 ES350 (Basic model). I had my oil changed at the local Toyota dealer and a few weeks later I hear a strange noise from my engine. Back 'in the day', I would have had my lifters adjusted. But, these days the lifters are hydralic and do not need adjusting. Yet the first time I drive ths car in the morning, I get what sounds like liftere noise. Has anyone experienced this too? If so, what was the problem. Haven't been able to get to the dealer yet. I have a close buddy who is a mechanic. He is going to look at the problem today.

 

If the noise goes away after a few minutes as the car warms up, it sounds like the noise problem that plagued some early 2007 ES350's. It does seem unusual that the noise would start on an '08 after this long on the road.

I haven't seen anything that suggests any long term engine damage if it happens to be this particular problem.

 

I have an 08 and can confirm the noise. Lexus states it is normal.

 

On my previous 2007, I complained about the same noise. Was told it was "normal" Funny, my 2011 is super quiet with no lifter noise after 18 months / 9,700 miles of ownership. The 2007 had it from day one.

 

I was hoping that this was a known, fixable problem. The noise does go away after about a mile of driving. Also, I have a second 2008 ES350 and it does not do this.
Thanks for your replies.

 

My wife's '08 ES had the lifter noise on startup when we first got her car. I live in Arizona where it's hot in the summer and seldom reaches freezing in the winter, and then only for a short time late at night. I use 10W/30 due to our mild weather. Anyway, after I did her first oil change with the heaver synthetic oil (Pennzoil Platinum) the lifer noise went away and has never returned.

Lou

 

That's interesting, i might try that as well...

 

Our '08 ES also had the ticking/lifter clicking noise when we first brought it home (used). After switching to Mobil 1 synthetic 0-30W at the first oil change (DIY), the noise disappeared and has never returned.

FWIW, the oil used by Toyota (and other) dealers is commonly called "bulk oil" and while adequate for the job, is definitely nothing special. It's dirt cheap, bought by the barrel, and is one reason dealers can offer free oil changes as it costs them practically nothing.

 

It may not be related in the OP's case, but remember that there has been an issue with the VVT camshaft drive sprockets with some engines that can generate "ticking" noises and there was an SB issued to deal with the problem.
There is also a small "last chance" filter in each camshaft cover at the upper banjo fitting bolt boss for the oil supply tubes for the VVT system that I would sure check for any crap/crud, if I had this problem.
Just out of interest, I wonder if the OP's dealer used 0W-20 oil on that last oil change?

 

I have a 2007 es350 and it sounds just like a diesel on startup. It is a bit worse during the cold months, but does go away as the car warms up.

I'll have to give the heavier synthetic oil a try on my next oil change.

 

I used Mobil 1 5W30 back then, no change on cold start up but thought that using a different viscosity would void the new car warranty back then if the engine developed a major problem. Drove the 2007 past 60,000 miles without an engine issue, just the lifter noise.

 

many 07s and early 08s have this noise. In fact, lots of even brand new cars nowadays have a good amount of valvetrain 'tick'.

You could try a heavier oil, but I wouldn't keep it heavy in a cold climate. You could also run some fuel system cleaner/lubricant through to see if maybe your injectors are a bit noisy. Other than that, it's normal, it's annoying, but it's not the worst thing in the world.