Currently in the (slow) process of rebuilding my 2011 is350 from a rear and front end accident. I have been driving the car around with no hood and recently have started hearing a strange noise coming from the driver side rear engine bay.The noise is only apparent to me when I am in drive and park, with the engine warmed up and driving for a bit. I hear it at stop lights, and possibly at low rpms driving in drive thru's, but I am not 100% sure.

Any opinions on what it may be will be helpful. I've been thinking i am just hearing normal engine noise that's always been there, just more apparent because I don't have a hood on it at the moment.

Links for videos if they aren't attaching correctly:

Longer video with more movement to pinpoint noise location:


Shorter video where the noise im talking about is more clear

 

i always thought the IS/GS engines were notoriously "ticky" but your sound is slightly more bassy and pronounced.
normally it's the high pressure fuel pump but this one is not what i'm used to.

what kind of oil are you using? weight?

 

Currently have 0w-20 in her after reading some forum posts about switching. Might switch back and see if that makes a noticeable difference. Can't imagine that would lead to the noises i'm hearing, but I guess you never know.

 

Definitely run 5w30. That light weight 0w20 garbage it used exclusively to try and boost the MPG and to reduce emissions when the manufacturer is preparing to put the car on the market. There can be several things happen from using super light oil, and all of them are bad. But this probably not causing the noise your heating. It can be difficult to diagnose a noise without being near the car, so you probably won’t get much help here. Your best bet is to get an automotive stethoscope either on ebay at autozone or whatever. They are pretty cheap and it will make it much easier to pinpoint the source of your ticking if you post a picture of what component the noise is coming from, then I can help you get it repaired. These cars shouldn’t make any unusual noise when they are running correctly.

 

Sounds good! I definitely plan on switching back to 5w-30. I will likely end up switching some time this week to see if it makes any difference. Probably will end up getting an automotive stethoscope regardless since it seems to be a very useful tool to have in the collection. I will come back with any updates I have. Thank you!

 

5w30 AMSOIL Signature Series. I have an
07’ IS350 and that’s all I run. I use their PI upper cylinder cleaner in a fill up every 3 months and I have no issues at all @ 103,850. I would take the previous suggestion and get oil changed first to see if that helps.

 

Is this the cylinder cleaner you’re referring to?

link

Have heard great things about amsoil. Planning on ordering some soon and changing and hoping it makes a difference!

 

@swurved Yes, the Upper Cylinder Cleaner. The AMSOIL distributor I deal with recommends every (3) months. I also use their “PI” fuel injector cleaner at the same time.

I tried all the different synthetic oils and additives on the market until I got turned on to AMSOIL, now I won’t use anything else. Don’t take my word for it, it’s backed by scientific research.

The Signature Series oil (5w30) is top level and the Upper Cylinder Cleaner will clean the top end of your engine of carbon buildup associated with these engines. Horsepower will increase and your engine will run smoother. AMSOIL is a bit more expensive however, it’s worth it in the long run especially if you intend on keeping it, let me know after you get it changed. You should need about (7) quarts and get the filter as well.

 

@swurved FYI- the Upper Cylinder Cleaner and the PI fuel injector Cleaner are two different products. The Upper Cylinder Cleaner costs around $16 and the PI is around $5.99.