Valve Noise?

Question

My 1997 ES300 with 50000 miles has been a wonderful car. However the last two times I started the car after sitting two days, I hear what was valve lifter noise on previous cars that I have owned. The noise disipates quickly, but is very loud. This has been such a smooth running engine that at times I have to check the instrument panel after I start, to see if the engine is really running. I have been changing oil regularly using the recommended grade. Is there another possible cause of that type of noise? How big of a repair job is it, if it is a valve lifter? Regards Rich Rossler

mbuster · Accepted Answer

Is it making the noise only when you are starting the engine? How does your oil look? Are you doing 5K oil changes?

This engine I believe is suspect to sludging because of its design. Toyota/Lexus has agreed to fix cars that are sludged as long as you can show reasonable maintenance (changing your oil regularly).

I would take it to a mechanic/dealer to diagnose.

RichR · Answer

Thank you mbuster.  Yes, only on start after the car sits for a couple of days.   Yes, I have regularly changed oil using the recommend grade of oil. I will check into the sludging problem.  That would fit the situation closely.

<andersonjerry · Answer

My 97 ES/300 was doing the same thing. It was the belts making that noise that sounds like ticking.

Valve Noise?

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