Rattle noise on cold startup

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Jul 18, 2022 | 02:10 PM

bison

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From: N/A

Rattle noise on cold startup

The past 3-4 weeks I hear pretty frequently only on cold startup a rattle for about 1-2 seconds. I thought maybe it was exhaust but my mechanic I see mentioned the VVTI gear is probably making that noise.
Is it because on cold startup there is no oil there? and would a thicker oil help that noise or does it have to replaced?

Jul 18, 2022 | 04:01 PM

Clutchless

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From: VA

This is not uncommon with the 2GR-FE engine and has been discussed several times here and on a few other Lexus and Toyota forums. Bottom line, it is annoying, but it will not affect your engine life. You can try different oil, or filters, or changing it more often but they usually don't make that much difference.

I found that replacing the metal oil filter base that gets unscrewed can help as it does get some dirt buildup over time. They only cost about $25 and OEM can be found on Amazon or eBay. A new one can allow faster oil flow on start up. I will also mix 2 quarts of 0w40 with the 4.5 quarts of 0w20 when doing an oil change which makes it slightly thicker and sort of helps reduce the noise. Someone at bobistheoilguy.com recommended this blend.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...up-rx450h.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...cold-soak.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...n-startup.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...n-startup.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...t-startup.html

Last edited by Clutchless; Jul 18, 2022 at 04:06 PM.

Jul 18, 2022 | 04:16 PM

bison

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Well keep that in mind about the filter base.
If I did decide to replace it, it probably will come back eventually?
also can these engines run on 5w-20/30?

Jul 19, 2022 | 05:24 AM

Clutchless

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From: VA

Yes as 5w20 is what is specified for the ES350 in certain model years, (it has the same engine) but your rattle will be worse as it is thicker when cold, it will flow more slowly, allowing more time for rattling. That is why I mix 0w40 in because it is slightly thicker when hot and may coat the parts more when the engine is off. But who knows? Considering how cold it gets up there in Alberta I would never use 5w20.

Jul 19, 2022 | 06:14 AM

Non

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From: Indiana

I switched to original Toyota oil filters and I think it helps reduce the cold start up rattle, but only for the first 2-3 k miles after the oil change.

Also, maybe it's just a placebo effect.

Jul 20, 2022 | 10:58 PM

bison

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thank you for the feedback. Not much I can do at the moment other than monitor the noise and when it gets worse I will replace.
Is there any way to prevent this or will just happen always over time? My rx350 has 140,000km on it.