Joe Strickland

We have a 2008 IS 250 with 47,000 miles. We have noticed that the engine started making a noise that didn't sound like a loaner and took it to Lexus of Orlando. (sometimes after being in a car you don't realize the subtle change in the way the engine sounds till you get into a loaner). We were told that the varible timing valve pulleys were a known issue, but they were instructed by Lexus to replace them for a customer ONLY if the noise could be reproduced or heard by the technician. Ours noise was heard by the technician and the varible timing valve pulleys were replaced under warranty. (PERFORM TSIB ON VVTI GEAR SET). During this repair they noticed the WATER PUMP IS LEAKING - DETECTED WHILE CAR IS BEING SERVICED and it too was replaced. After driving the car for a week we were still hearing the noise. The car has been back at Lexus of Orlando for the past 10 days (since 12-29-09). The head service tech replaced the lifters and the noise is still there. The Field Service Technician has been called in and they seem to think that there could be a piece of carbon in one of the cylinders (because that was the issue on a previous car he diagnoised). So, they are taking it apart to determine what the issue is. We are very concerned that we have a lemon that is getting ready to lose it's warranty due to the miles. You can email me directly if you want to connect and compare issues or ban together to get these lemons replaced. hjoe@tworld.com Joe Strickland