Turn the key, klunking sound
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
From: IN
Turn the key, klunking sound
I have a 2001 RX300 AWD that I purchased a couple of years ago with about 141k mileage. It has the sticker for the timing belt replacement, so I know some work has been done but I don't have very many service records. I thought that the valve covers were leaking oil, so back in December I tore into it and got the from valve cover off. The gasket looked pretty new so I figured someone had already done that work. We got busy at my day job right after the first of the year so I had to leave the vehicle sitting in my garage until I could get back to it. I ended up needing to move the RX outside for a couple of weeks. The valve cover was still off for a portion of the time outdoors, but the hood was down the entire time, but the windshield wiper cowl was off the vehicle the entire time.
I've got the RX back in the garage and have put things back together today to the point that I could try to start the vehicle. It hasn't been started since mid December of last year. When I turned the key, it did not turn over... just made a klunk sound.
I'm looking for ideas of what might be the issue. Could there be an issue with water since the vehicle was outside without the windshield wiper cowl in place?
I've got the RX back in the garage and have put things back together today to the point that I could try to start the vehicle. It hasn't been started since mid December of last year. When I turned the key, it did not turn over... just made a klunk sound.
I'm looking for ideas of what might be the issue. Could there be an issue with water since the vehicle was outside without the windshield wiper cowl in place?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,305
Likes: 1,616
From: FL
I have a 2001 RX300 AWD that I purchased a couple of years ago with about 141k mileage. It has the sticker for the timing belt replacement, so I know some work has been done but I don't have very many service records. I thought that the valve covers were leaking oil, so back in December I tore into it and got the from valve cover off. The gasket looked pretty new so I figured someone had already done that work. We got busy at my day job right after the first of the year so I had to leave the vehicle sitting in my garage until I could get back to it. I ended up needing to move the RX outside for a couple of weeks. The valve cover was still off for a portion of the time outdoors, but the hood was down the entire time, but the windshield wiper cowl was off the vehicle the entire time.
I've got the RX back in the garage and have put things back together today to the point that I could try to start the vehicle. It hasn't been started since mid December of last year. When I turned the key, it did not turn over... just made a klunk sound.
I'm looking for ideas of what might be the issue. Could there be an issue with water since the vehicle was outside without the windshield wiper cowl in place?
I've got the RX back in the garage and have put things back together today to the point that I could try to start the vehicle. It hasn't been started since mid December of last year. When I turned the key, it did not turn over... just made a klunk sound.
I'm looking for ideas of what might be the issue. Could there be an issue with water since the vehicle was outside without the windshield wiper cowl in place?
Welcome to Club Lexus and your 1st Post.
+1 for good first post. 🤓
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
From: IN
Thanks!
Do you think it's possible that the engine is "seized" somewhat with rust since it's been sitting for a few months? I have a couple of things to try to help diagnose the situation. I'll report back when I have some additional information.
Do you think it's possible that the engine is "seized" somewhat with rust since it's been sitting for a few months? I have a couple of things to try to help diagnose the situation. I'll report back when I have some additional information.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,305
Likes: 1,616
From: FL
If it was my car and I had any doubts the engine might have moisture in it, first thing I would do is an oil change for peace of mind.
About the clunk, hard to say without more info.
Please have someone monitor the battery voltage with a meter while someone else turns the key.
If the voltage drop is extreme when trying to start, battery may be junk.
Can also pull the battery and take down to local auto parts store and have them load test it.
About the clunk, hard to say without more info.
Please have someone monitor the battery voltage with a meter while someone else turns the key.
If the voltage drop is extreme when trying to start, battery may be junk.
Can also pull the battery and take down to local auto parts store and have them load test it.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,583
Likes: 1,397
From: Austin, TX
Vacuum and the top. There are layers but still leaving the valve cover off was not a good idea, specially outside.
If there was an oil leak before, steam cleaning should clear out the left over oil [after you install the valve covers].
You can put a socket on the main pulley and turn it clock-wise. 2 complete rotations will ensure no internal binding.
Before attempting to start, make sure your battery is fully charges and capable. You can take your battery to a box store and they will test it and if you request charge it for free.
Salim
If there was an oil leak before, steam cleaning should clear out the left over oil [after you install the valve covers].
You can put a socket on the main pulley and turn it clock-wise. 2 complete rotations will ensure no internal binding.
Before attempting to start, make sure your battery is fully charges and capable. You can take your battery to a box store and they will test it and if you request charge it for free.
Salim
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
From: IN
Update!
Thanks to the folks who replied. I tried manually rotating the engine with a socket on the crank. It wouldn't move at first, but finally broke free and I was able to rotate the engine. After that, I drained all the oil. I replaced the oil and added a bottle of the LiquiMoly engine treatment. It would turn over but didn't start. It was pretty low on fuel so I added about 8 gallons of fresh fuel and some fuel system cleaner. It took several tries but it finally fired up! I let it idle for 10 minutes and then drained and replaced the oil and filter.
The engine sounds fine but there's a high-pitched whistle noise. I'm wondering if there's a vacuum hose of some kind that I forgot to reconnect and is making the sound. Going to try to figure that out next.
Always something...
The engine sounds fine but there's a high-pitched whistle noise. I'm wondering if there's a vacuum hose of some kind that I forgot to reconnect and is making the sound. Going to try to figure that out next.
Always something...
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,583
Likes: 1,397
From: Austin, TX
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