Clatter noise at startup!

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Jan 30, 2024 | 08:53 AM

Mhankins

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2023

Posts: 6

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From: UT

Clatter noise at startup!

I'm trying to figure out what is causing this noise at startup! I have a 2005 LS430. The last few days it has been making a clatter, not rattling, more like grinding, sounds like metal scratching is the only way I can describe it when I start the car. Lasts for just seconds.
The car itself seems to be running fine. It's only when I start it. Anyone have any idea what this could be? And yes, I've checked the oil and it's good! Thank for any help or ideas!! Melanie

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Jan 30, 2024 | 04:16 PM

ExiledWolf84

Racer

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 1,402

Likes: 117

From: Colorado

You might try firing it up while having someone look at the belt and tensioner. It might be something to do with one of the components on the front of the engine when it's being brought up to speed.

Jan 30, 2024 | 04:25 PM

LS430inDE.

Racer

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 1,358

Likes: 87

From: Delaware

Could it be an edge of one of the radiator fans hitting the shroud? I don't know if the fans turn on at startup, or come on only when the AC or compressor is running, but to eliminate the fan blade hitting the shroud, shut off the climate control before starting the car, and see if it still happens. Could it be the fan shaft isn't balanced but after rotating for a second or 2, the fan stabilizes and centers itself in the housing?

Jan 30, 2024 | 06:50 PM

Mhankins

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2023

Posts: 6

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From: UT

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoshiMan

You might try firing it up while having someone look at the belt and tensioner. It might be something to do with one of the components on the front of the engine when it's being brought up to speed.

oh that's good to know! I will definitely try that! Thank you.

Jan 30, 2024 | 08:47 PM

demark1

Advanced

Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 598

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From: New York

For what it's worth, I experienced a loud engine noise while driving about 2 year s ago. Severe grinding-ish for about 10 seconds. I thought the engine was about to explode/throw a rod or something, or there was something horrible on the road. Then it went away. Then soon after (days or weeks) my alternator died. Possible early pre-faiolure? Car is fine after new alternator, and that never re-occured. 2005, around 150k miles at time.

Jan 31, 2024 | 07:55 AM

weldthedif

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 926

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From: South Carolina

pull the serpentine belt and spin each pulley individually to check the bearings on each one

Feb 1, 2024 | 08:09 AM

Mhankins

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2023

Posts: 6

Likes: 1

From: UT

I'm actually going to do that today! That is one idea my friend had so he'll check that out for me.
Thanks!

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Feb 1, 2024 | 08:14 AM

Mhankins

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2023

Posts: 6

Likes: 1

From: UT

I've got our building manager that drives a lexus as well..it's all he's every known. That was actually his first thought. So he's gonna look at that for me.
\Thanks!!