Rattling Noise

[Willlex]

So i have just recently purchased an SC400. Its my first car, i love driving it and want to keep it and i really want to put money into it. But i have this rattling noise coming from the engine. I woke up one day and as soon as it started it just sounded horrible. At first i thought it was one of my belts. My co worker told me it could be my catylitic converter. But my boss says it could be my starter. I also took it to an auto shop and all they did was tell me to pop my trunk and start the engine and they said it was the starter as well. Without even putting it on a lift. I am honestly not good with cars, so i wanted to know what you guys thought.

[FMN]

I have a 1997 SC400 and the rattle sounds really like a tin vibration, no way it is the starter because it is usually after the car starts and is cold, I think it may be either the catalytic converter or a skid plate protecting the exhaust which sometimes vibrates but I am not a 100% sure.... is your rattle more like tin vibrating (perhaps the interior of the catalytic converter is burnt out but I do not think so as it only doesn't occasionally?) Please let me know if you solve it or if someone gives a reason better than the starter....

[FMN]

As it only does it occasionally...

[Willlex]

Thanks for the reply, and it does it as soon as it starts up. It used to make the small grinding/rattle when it was first turning over, but now it does it non-stop and is very loud

[FMN]

Sounds like the starter is staying engaged so you should not continue to run it otherwise more damage can occur, best bet is to see whether the starter is loose (bolts may have loosened up and leaving the starter on a bad angle). If it is not loose, chances are it needs to be replaced or rebuilt, it may be possible it is only the solenoid which signals the starter to engage and disengage ...... I am currently in California on holidays (just bought a door panel and some rims for the 97) will be travelling back to BC next week if I have time I can stop and have a look but not much to be done if the solenoid or starter is gone, pick n pull may have one....when you do things yourself costs drop big time....if you buy one from a junk yard and have a mechanic remove the old one and put in the used one it would still be cheaper than him getting you one, most give some sort of warranty.....

http://www.picknpull.com/check_inventory.aspx

[Willlex]

How do I get to the starter? Don't i have to lift some of the engine components? Thats what I have been told. And i got a quote for $600 to have it fixed by an auto shop, or 845 at a japanese auto which would be more reliable since that is what they specialize in

[FMN]

Man seems it is a fair sized job ask for shop time/cost cause its about a 6 hr job, I would look around for a decent mechanic that knows about the SC400 cause $600 is more reasonable including a rebuilt starter but $845 is way outta wack man. It may only be the solenoid or loose cable or bolts, I would lean towards the solenoid which sometimes just giving it a good wack can unjam it...if your not needing to drive it, ask around the Lexus sites n try to find a fair mechanic in your area. Also make sure your power steering pump isn't leaking cause it is above your alternator and the SC400 is renowned for leaking power steering fluid onto the alternator and a double hit in the wallet for ya....it happened to me these cars are reliable but $$$ when having to take into a shop..... anyhow here is somethings to review

http://www.ehow.com/how_7681223_change-starter-1992-lexus-sc400.html

http://www.lextreme.com/starter.html

AutoZone may help to first determine if it is the starter?

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/performance-and-maintenance/264415-time-to-replace-sc400-starter-alternator.html

Average National Costs Starter Replacement

https://repairpal.com/estimator/lexus/sc400/starter-replacement-cost

Rebuilt Replacement Starter cost Seattle area....

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search/Starter/01920/C0330.oap?year=1992&make=Lexus&model=SC400&vi=1187614

[sadclown]

One cause of the engine rattling noise may be caused by a slipping cam shaft belt.

[Bigb0isc4]

I have the same issue, its not the starter. there is something in between me and the fire wall that rattles at a specific RPM. Ive looked for it for a year now and still cant find it.