Engine Ticking
It is you're - as in you're using bad grammer

Actually I hate the car only because of what it is represented as and the fact that it isn't. I really thought the car was a competitor to the 540 - it's not. Not even in the same ballpark. Yea, I know it is a lot cheaper, but still, I didn't think I was downgrading this much.
Anyway, my point to elclassico is that if this really is normal, why doesn't it happen on all Lexus'? Why did the other 2003 GS I drove not exhibit this? (Don’t worry; the mechanic riding with was stumped as well).
Finally, my basic point is that if the car is going to ride like a luxury car and handle like one, it should be quiet like one. Why is this asking so much?
and bit, I've thought about my response to you a little more. The fact is that there were four things about my Lexus that I could not stand when I got it. The steering, the suspension noise, the sunroof noise, and the engine tick.
Slowly, I've gotten each of these fixed (some with help of other board members) and I've posted my comments on how I fixed them to help other members who have had the same problems. Now I've got one last issue and I was looking to the board for help. That's all.
Doug
And to be honest, I do like a lot about this car.
Important to remember, it was driven by one of the dealer staff for its first 700 miles and I'm sure they were oh so gentile

Ticking is far worse when
1. Car is cold (noticeable)
2. Temp is below 50 (unbearable)
Once warmed up, it is there, but not terrible. Still in the other 2003 GS430 I drove, there was no sound whatsoever.
My thought is to wait until Fall again and bring it back - to another dealer.
I really wished your car would act right. Not sure if you have unreasonably high expectations or maybe u got a rare bad GS.
Hell, my car has ticked from time to time but it was no biggie. It's not like the car ticks and it would not start or the light would not work. It sounds like (no pun intended) it is for a functional purpose.
Actually I hate the car only because of what it is represented as and the fact that it isn't. I really thought the car was a competitor to the 540 - it's not. Not even in the same ballpark. Yea, I know it is a lot cheaper, but still, I didn't think I was downgrading this much.
Then of course there's factors like the AWFUL stereo and UNUSABLE CD based nav system on the 5 series. And then there's the fact that they are clearly less reliable, particularly after the warranty period is up. 3 people I know with 540is have had significant problems requiring many many visits to the dealers. Then there's the dealers... hard to find a more condescending and pompous lot.
But Doug, I really am sorry to hear you're having troubles with your GS. If the dealer concurs that another GS does not do the same thing, I'd get on their case. Maybe it's the gas you use?
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
The noise can come from two different places one is injectors, shevron fuel system cleaner
should help you should see any change (if there will be any) in about 2 treatments.
The other place are hydraulic lifters you can try to clean them with motor flush,
(probably not going to help you, you car has low miles) it might be that some of them are
defected and they can be replaced. You should not have any tapping noise from your engine,
its not normal.
Leo
They actually tried the cleaner and it didn't make any difference. The noise sounds like bad gas (which of course is what they accused me of). It is more of an engine knock. I think I agree with you that it is a bad injector as it only comes from one side of the motor.
Thanks again for the suggestions.
Doug
Only difference is.... Mine doesn't knock at all when the car is cold or if it's cold out.
During the day when it's HOT out I get a BAD knocking sound from my engine during acceleration.
Lasts for about 2 seconds. Within those 2 seconds I'd say I'm hearing a VERY fast combination of about 50 ticks/knocks...
Again it's VERY quick and only during acceleration from a dead stop. (I'm assuming it's because of the large load on the engine to get it up and running from a dead stop)
Once I'm going it's fine.
One other thing.. I put 100 octane race fuel in my car the other day and NO Knocking noise at all.
After running through the tank of 100 octane and going back to 91 octane my car is knocking again. I've tried all kinds of gas and it still knocks on all of them including Chevron with Techron.
My buddy is going to bring my car into his shop this weekend and give it a throttle body flush/fuel system cleanout.
Also installing new spark plugs.
Hopefully this will help or get rid of the knocking but I'm not going to hold my breath just yet.....
Relax elcassico, I'm not insulting your grammar. Always remember, "There is none who cannot teach somebody something, and there is none so excellent that he cannot be excelled".
Last edited by brendanlim; Dec 4, 2003 at 11:36 AM.
I have read all this.. And I understand your frustrations - it would make me mad too if my car was sounding funny and the dealer says it stock.. I used to have a Corvette and Trans am 6-spd made this rattling sound from the Trans. and the dealer would say it "Normal" while other friends cars -some did it and some were quiet (nil) not one sound..
Have you ever thought that all cars are made unequally - even for lexus. Have you noticed some cars are just quicker than others <same engines modds and eveything> Some cars rattle, tick, vibrate more -some silent. My buddy's Trans am same year as mine made this whining sound from his rear end and while mine was silent..
I'm not taking sides - but have you thought maybe that you just happen to get a car that is a little off.
It happens to all brands even BMW and Mercedes.. But Don't come in here and insult people and infact down your own car.. If you can't fix it or can't live with the sound - Trade for another one or another brand..
I had mine since it was 3 miles old. And have no sounds at all.. though my idle is alittle low sometimes.. No car is absloutely perfect. Even the best ones have some minor issues..
Peace....
QWK







