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2007 ES350 has a tick-tick-tick_ _ _ _ sound.

My ES350 has developed an unusual sound. With only 10,000 miles on it, and burning Premium (what a misnomer) gasoline, it is making a ticking sound when I accelerate. The sound was not noticed until it got cold here in Florida and the AC was turned off.

Also, the sound is loudest when the engine is cold. When the temp reaches normal, the sound is barely audible. It is also most noticeable when accelerating up a hill.

The tick-tick sound reminds me of the ping we heard due to pre-ignition on the old cars. That is a sound that I haven't heard in years. Also, I recall a similar sound due to valve noise on the old OHV engines.

I thought that the new computer controlled engines contained a "noise detector" that adjusted the timing or something to prevent that problem.

Does anyone have any experience with this condition? I have an appointment with the dealer in a few days, but feel that they are going to ignore the problem and tell me that it is "natural" or some such thing.

Regards, Graybeard

Reply to
Graybeard
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I can't say for sure what is going on with this noise but I can tell you I have a 2003 ES with 30K and have used regular gas only and have no noise whatsoever .

Reply to
Ice

OK, but does your transmission hestitate and/or jerk?

Reply to
David Z

Sounds are difficult to diagnose without experiencing them first hand. Your engine does have a knock sensor that detects engine knocking. If knocking is detected, the computer will retard the ignition timing until the pinging or knocking stops, usually within 3 seconds. If you hear the sound while the engine is idling, it is probably not knocking or pinging.

Reply to
Ray O

Thanks Guys:

No David, the tranny seems to perform beautifully.

Ray (my brother's name), I appreciate your inputs, which I have noticed for a couple years. The knock (or ping) is not audible while idling. At least, not to my aging ears. The most interesting thing to me is that the knock almost disappears after the engine warms up to operating temperature.

Today is Saturday and my appointment is Monday with the dealer. I'll let you all know what the dealer says!

Graybeard

Reply to
Graybeard

No David my trans does not hesitate or jerk .

Reply to
Ice

Ticking sounds that disappear after the engine warms up could be piston slap or valvetrain noise. Another remote possibility is a pulsation from the fuel line or fuel return line, but I have not heard of that causing noise in a long time.

Reply to
Ray O

Ask your dealer to locate the source of noise within the engine (eg. upper cylinder head, timing cover, lower block). The 3.5L should work fine on regular 87 (R+M)/2 gas too with the timing automatically adjusted to compensate.

Let's hope it's in the easier areas of the engine. Poor piston/ cylinder fit selection is a cost-containment reason on a production line for piston slaps. "Essentially, the piston moves sideways and "slaps" or "knocks" hard against the cylinder bore and causes damage to the engine pistons and cylinders, excessive smoke emissions, excessive oil consumption, carbon buildup on piston heads, decreased mileage, and a loud and obnoxious "slapping" or "knocking" noise, all of which diminishes vehicle resale value in the trade."

Reply to
johngdole

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