Hi all,

We have a 2018 NX300 AWD that we bought about 4 years ago certified with 12,000 miles. It had service records and we have kept up with oil changes as well. It only has 43,000 miles now. I was doing an oil change today and it just sounds a bit odd - almost like engine knocking. I know it makes ticking noise with the injectors and all that but to me sounds a little odd. No metal in filter or oil at all.

Is this normal noise for this engine?

Uploaded a video to YT below

 

Interesting. Something is. If it was a conventional engine I would say a loose flywheel or at the other end a slipping or loose pulley. Check oil level as it may also be oil slap if too much in sump.

 

Just did an oil change it’s only 5 quarts with a tiny bit more. (Lexus calls for 5.2 with filter) Level is below the top mark on dip stick. 0W-20 Synthetic

 

I have used a 3 ft long of clear vinyl tubing about 3/8 to 1/2 in diameter as a stethoscope before. Put 1 end to your ear and move the other end around the motor to try and hear where the sound is coming from. Just my 2 cents.

 

Yeah I'm gunna have to investigate more - just wanted to see if what I'm hearing is normal for this motor? Or is something off?

 

It sounds like it's coming from the area of the belt driven components. Turn on the A/C to see if the sound changes.

 

Not normal -sounds similar to a heat shield rattle to me. Might check the exhaust heat shield to see if it’s loose? Does the noise go away when throttling up a bit?

 

Another video showing the start-up a bit lazy -
Will be pulling spark plugs tomorrow and hook up the scanner to it.

 

FWIW and on a separate note related to oil changes, I would check the oil level after the car has sat overnight and engine is cold to see where the level is on the dipstick. I recently changed my oil and put exactly 5 quarts and it still showed 1/4 inch over the F mark (I let it drain for 45 minutes before putting in new oil). This also happens on my other cars where I put less than the stated amount to get it right below the F mark.

This is my first Lexus and bought not too long ago, so still trying to find out the sweet spots.

 

The startup seems fine -the more I listen to the noise, the more it sounds like your timing chain is rattling. I’m assuming the oil level is full?

 

Yes - oil is a good level.

Hopefully, I'll have some more answers tomorrow.