Got a 1991 LS400 with a ticking noise coming from my engine compartment. I don't have the cash to take it to be looked at, so I thought I'd ask here and see if any of the experts can direct me.
I originally thought it was coming from the top end, but with the hood open I can barely hear it. If I hold my ear around the drivers wheel well, then I can hear it plain as day. It's a steady tick tick tick and it is in par with the engine's RPM's.

Is there a common problem with these motors to give the noise that I discribed? It's been doing it for a long time now, and I've had no dependability issues with it.

 

sounds like exhaust leak....

 

UGH! I never even thought of that! I was shooting for the hard stuff first. Although, it does not make the noise when the car is cold, only when it warms up.

 

Before some of the other members here jump on you, the first thing that will help you to solve alot of your questions is to use the serch and advanced search functions of the forum. The first gen LS, particularly the 1UZFE motor in the LS and SC400 does have a common problem with the valves tapping. Most likely you need to have a valve adjustment done. The sound you are describing, consistent with the rpms fits the description of the valve tapping which is a very common problem with our cars.

 

I appreciate your concern. I did use the search function and came up empty handed. The noise I am hearing is coming from the lower and not from the upper. As I said in my first post, I can not hear the ticking with the hood up, only when I put my head by the drivers wheel well.

 

ticking noise is very common, i hear it on a lot of Lexus... unless its extremely loud, i wouldnt be concerened.

 

I can hear it on my 95LS and hear it on my 95 SC400

 

Probably valves.

Lower?

Could be exhaust valves out of wack - not just intake...

 

pipes expand when they heat up, could be it...