FNSSESPORT

Hi CL,
I took this video this morning, seems to be coming from the Cam Timing Control Module area. It starts about a minute after cold start, but goes away once the car has reached normal operating temperatures. In the video you'll hear the sound im referring to come in and out. Sounds like a metal knocking, then goes away, then returns. Performance doesnt seem to be affected, occassionally there is an ever so slight rough idle when in sitting at a light. MY 2008 with 107K kms on the odometer. Any insight as to what it might be would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Joker4096

iTrader: (2)

Sounds like the cam timing adjustment sprocket. I think others have been experiencing issues with this throwing a check engine light. Did you ever run low on oil?

UCrazyKid

I think your problem is the TRD oil filler cap. You must remove it and send it to me.
But seriously, what viscosity/type of oil are you running?
There have been a few threads on this lately regarding the solenoid side of the system, but the the other side is oil pressure driven. Have you puled codes from the ECU yet? Anything pending?

FNSSESPORT

I KNEW i shouldnt have trusted Amazon with my oil cap needs! I run MOBIL 1 5W30. No CELs at all, I feel its just a matter of time before I get one though.

I've never personally run low on oil, but Im the second owner. I dont drive it in the winter, so i only put about 10K kms/year on it, and ill do 2 oil changes in an 8 month span. Maybe Ill start with replacing the Cam timing adjustment sprocket (i think lobux referenced it in another thread). Unfortunately i think its $600 USD just for the part!

Thanks for the feedback guys, appreciate it.

tas02

iTrader: (2)

As the noise goes away after she's warmed up, I wouldn't be concerned. Esp. w/your conservative oil change intervals.

isfvss

That is VERY loud I would not drive it, if it lets go it will send metal shards through the entire motor and you will have a full rebuild on your hands NOT CHEAP fix it.

FNSSESPORT

The $1M question is: what needs fixing? Im going to stop by the dealership tonight and show them the video. Its hard to demonstrate the noise in person, because like i mentioned earlier, it only makes that noise between about 2 and 5 minutes after a full night sitting. Once it goes away at that 5 minute-ish mark, it wont make the sound again all day. Weird.

isfvss

It definitely sounds like the vvt about to sh#t it self have you thought to take the serpentine belt off and start it cold idle pulley etc.........long shot .
Also cam chain tensioner or guides put a stereoscope on it and you Will know where the noise is coming from .They are cheap at any auto shop good luck and let the forum know what happens cheer.

FNSSESPORT

Ive done the stereoscope - sort of, i use a long screwdriver and held it to my ear. Its too hard for me to isolate if its the cam timing module or something with the timing chain. Im taking my car to Lexus on tuesday to get the ELF, fan bolt and airbag recall done, ill see what they have to say about it.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Sounds familiar.


It's a leak in the seal between the valve cover and the cam cap feeding the exhaust VVTi OCV which controls the variable timing on the exhaust cam. Open the oil cap while it is doing this and see if the noise gets louder. Mine does. The noise will go away completely if you remove the valve cover(s) and replace the seals between it and the cam caps. Only for a while. Then it will return. AMHIK.

It gets worse with time and mileage.

isfvss

Is this your car Lowbux,if not what is the permanent fix cheers.

FNSSESPORT

Thanks Lobux. That noise couldnt be MORE familiar. Im guessing you replaced yours when you did your valve lash inspection? You wouldnt happen to have the part number for said gasket would you? Even if it makes the noise go away for another 100K kms i think i would tackle this, especially since i dont drive my car in the winter, could be a good winter project.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

If you plan to remove the valve covers, this is the list of suggested parts:

11193-38030 = 8 - Gasket Spark Plug Tube
23224-38010 = 2 - Gasket Fuel Pump Spacer
23915-46011 = 2 - Insulator Fuel Pump
23279-74010 = 4 - Gasket Fuel Pressure (Pulsation Damper)
11229-38030 = 2 - Gasket Cylinder Head Cover No. 3 (Valve cover oil filter)
11159-0P010 = 2 - Gasket Camshaft Bearing Cap Oil Hole No. 1
11159-0S010 = 2 - Gasket Camshaft Bearing Cap Oil Hole No. 2
90301-A0029 = 4 - O Ring (Oil Drain Pipe)
11213-38060 = 1 - Gasket Cylinder Head Cover No. 1 RH
11214-38040 = 1 - Gasket Cylinder Head Cover No. 2 LH
90301-09028 = 1 - Oil Tube O-Ring (dipstick tube)
90210-08045 = 6 - Washer, Seal
15678-46020 = 2 - Filter (for the exhaust cam oil control valve)

Also, be cognizant of the fuel connections. If you connect them wrong, the engine will run, but no more than idle for a short period. AMHIK.

FNSSESPORT

Thanks so much for this, really appreciate it!
-R

GymRat86

So i thought you said the p0012 code has nothing to do with the vvt solenoid on the exhaust cam side... so your saing this code is from the the orings between the valve cover vvt solenoid ports and cam cams??