Valve Problem Or Something Else?

[GI_Jim]

My 93 LS 400 runs absolutely great one of the only concerns i have is a slight ticking noise (maybe from the valves) when the car is running. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and if so what it is and what the fix is.

[VMF]

i have been told that it is ok to drive with it. if you wanna fix it it will cost you around 400$

[UCF3]

Is it a clicking noise, or wooshing noise. I would check out whether the noise is coming from the serpentine, or timing belt.

I've been hearing a continuous clicking noise, from the compartment, and mine's turning out to be the timing belt.

Let us know what you find.

[GI_Jim]

Not belts, just had serpentine, timing, water pump, pulley and tensioner for timing, tensioner for serpentine, fan bracket and a couple other small upkeep things replaced ($1500 bucks worth). Sound is definitley coming from top of valve cover. Just want to make sure it's nothing serious. Oh yeah just in case someone was else was wondering the plug wires are not arcing either (same noise created by that problem on another vehicle so I definitley checked that first) by the way my car has 126000 miles on it and in the manual I read that valve spacing adjustments are recommended like every 90K.

[VMF]

i have a slight ticking too, since our engines are not vvti you have nothing to worry about

[GI_Jim]

Thanks VMF just trying to keep mine running great as long as possible.

[flanker271]

Hello,

please follow the link below to solve your tickling problem. This link has a very comprehensive description on the cause of tickling and solution to fix them.

http://www.cureline.net/lex/howtos/info_ticking_engine.htm

Good luck! B)

[UCF3]

Oh, I forgot about that noise and about cureline's Q&A on this subject.

Thanks flanker271

[93LSOwner]

I just bought mine 146,000 same issue here. The last owner told me that his machanic (specialist only in Imports) told him that it is costly repair but not something to worry about. My neighbor told me that this might also be caused by not changing the oil. Because his F-150 experieced this. And when I first had the oil change it was real black or OLD.

[UCF3]

I just bought mine 146,000 same issue here. The last owner told me that his machanic (specialist only in Imports) told him that it is costly repair but not something to worry about. My neighbor told me that this might also be caused by not changing the oil. Because his F-150 experieced this. And when I first had the oil change it was real black or OLD.

Since the LS isn't related to the Ford company, I'm not convinced. If it was a Cadi or another GM perhaps.

If your oil is oil/dirty, you should really change it. It may go away, but I doubt it.

[CanadaCraig]

My 93 LS 400 runs absolutely great one of the only concerns i have is a slight ticking noise (maybe from the valves) when the car is running. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and if so what it is and what the fix is.

Hi GI_Jim!! :)

You know something? IF your LS is making ticking noises when the engine is NOT running - maybe you should run for cover!! lol :P

Seriously.... I went through this a couple of months ago. IF the ticking sound is usually only obvious when the engine is idling - then what you're hearing [most likely] are the fuel injectors. And that's OK. That's what 'they' sound like. IF - however - the ticking sound becomes more noticible as you accelerate - then it's [most likely] the valves. My valves were adjusted. Most were 'out of spec' and those that weren't - were at 'max'. The ticking sound is now gone - at least the ticking caused BY the valves.

Fortunately for me - my dealer did not charge me for labour when they did the valve adjustment. And I say 'fortunate' because it took 'them' 10 hours to do it.

I was also told that it wasn't really a reliablity or safety issue. But mine were very loud and annoying. My car sounded 'cheap'. [if that makes sense] Now it sounds great.

I hope that helps.

Craig!! :)

[SKperformance]

Having the valves adjusted is a great idea but very expensive for labour as the shims are cheap to adjust tehm.

Most lexus over 4 years have a small amount of tapping fromt eh valves.Nothing to worry about. I sue a synthtic and also a heavier one in summer to combat the war from dry starts and the wear on the valves drivetrain from it.

A good idea to reduce alot of the noise is to put some engine flush in the oil and change it over to synthetic as well after. It clears up sticky lifters.

[93LSOwner]

well, I think the noise sounds like as if it is an old Mercedes S-class. (1986 or lower-1992 or higher). I don't think that anyone's Lexus in here sounds as hard as those though.

[90LS400Lexus]

My 1990 LS400 has 227,700 now and it has the same "tick" sound. I can only hear it when the window is down and the radio is off and even then, only when it is idling. I can hear it best at a drive-thru- when the tick of the otherwise whisper quiet engine "bounces" off of the wall. Mine has not gotten any worse and I have heard that it is not a cause for concerns.

[2XLexV8]

Good Morning,

I have a 92 SC400 with 143K, and a ticking sound.

Although it sounds like it's from the driver's side valve area; it's really the hydraulic fan pump. A little investigation with a stethescope(?) found the culprit.

They can be reuilt, but my mechanic and Lexus dealer (not the same folks) don't recommend it, because the drive shaft is what wears, and that part is hard to get.

Soooo, $500 gets another pump.

Good Luck

[thewzdoc]

Mine ticks too. I had my mechanic listen and he said it was the injectors and not to worry.....yay....first time it cost me $0 dollars!