I've owned this car since day one. Just last week the engine started "knocking". I check the oil level it was low. I filled it and it still knocking and getting worse. I fear this is the main bearing going out. Any insight, feedback, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to see this car go but, if I've got to replace the bearing then....

Thank you,

In advance.

 

Don't panic - there is more than one 'main" bearing, and the noise could be coming from many different sources. There is an idler pulley that is often the culprit.

How many miles? Timing belt ever been changed? Have a way to check the oil pressure with a gauge? Any check engine lights? If it is indeed a bearing knock (rod or main), the oil pressure would suffer...

 

Obviously my GS300 has a different engine/ trans set up but when I thought I had an engine knock it was the flex plate. We put the car up on a lift and could her the sound coming from the inspection hole. Turned the engine off and when we tapped on the flex plate it made a strange noise. Dropped the trans and the plate was cracked almost all the way thru.

 

Here are the codes. Replaced timing belt twice. 252,000 miles. If anyone know what the codes are I’d appreciate it,

 

p0420 & p0430 are possibly related to your catalytic converters being faulty. sometimes the cats get clogged too.

system too lean can be a variety of things, but definitely check for vacuum leaks and clean/change the MAF

 

Only for the worse case scenario

these engines are a dime a dozen at the boneyard you can pick one up for 3 to 400 bucks and Call it a day

 

Didn’t want to hear that but, that might be my reality.

 

Here’s what it sounds like:
I’m wondering if it’s a vacuum issue.

 

Sounds almost exactly like mine before the tensioner went out...take off the belt and spin the pulley by hand and see if there is any "drag". That's probably where the issue is.

Also, for the P0446 take off the cover and look for any loose hoses. Look around the purge valve.





Btw, my P0430 ended up being my y-pipe not my cat so get it checked out. It's a common issue on the GS400.

 

At least if you do go this route you can easily change the timing belt water pump and cam seals at the same time which will save you a few thousand bucks

 

Sounds just like the idler tensioner pulley did on my 1993 Seville before I replaced it

 

****Update.****

For 22 years this has been my daily transportation. That ceased today. The engine is shot. For my kids this is the only car they've know me in. My Lexus has served me extremely well!!!!!!! I am going to donate her.

So, now its on to a different car. Suggestions? I'm think I might go with a late model land cruiser(Toyota or Lexus version).

Anyway, thank you for all your help and suggestions.

This is the last time I saw her.

 

What a disappointment. Well like you said, you received a lot of great service from that car. You had a great run. Can't say you didn't get your money's worth.

Can't go wrong with a Landcruiser / LX. A smaller footprint GX (has the V8 lineage of your GS400) or 4Runner are also fantastic if you like the ruggedness and dependability but don't desire the extra room or cachet that comes with the LC/LX. There are forums out there for all of these makes where you can find about all the information you could be curious for. Plenty of people here are Toyota loyalists (self included) and have some experience with the SUV platforms if you need any directional help.

 

Thanks man.

 

It's tough when this happens, sorry to hear, made me sad to see that last picture.
I will echo Kyle and say the LX/ Landcruiser or the 120 platform will be a excellent replacement.

Good luck and thanks for posting your update, it makes for excellent future forum search referencing.