Ticking noise coming from the engine?

NO_SLEEP

MEMBER
1999 LEXUS GS 300
3.0L
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
190,000 MILES

When I turn on the car the ticking starts right away and continues while idling, when I press down on the throttle the speed of the ticking noise increases with the throttle I give. I really don’t know what it could be. I replaced the oil and filter, I’m new to cars so any info helps.

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

It sounds like you have a lifter or roller follower that has gone bad. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response.

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Monday, July 10th, 2023 AT 12:30 PM

NO_SLEEP

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Hope this video helps clarify.

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Monday, July 10th, 2023 AT 2:54 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Thanks for the video. That is definitely lifter/valve train noise. This could be wear on the camshaft or you have to adjust the valves. Let's remove the valve cover for inspection. Here are instructions on how the job is done in the images below. Can I ask what weight oil you used when you did the oil change? Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes

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Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 AT 10:36 AM

NO_SLEEP

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3 POSTS

I used 5W30 full synthetic.

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Thursday, July 13th, 2023 AT 5:48 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Okay, then it is back to the valve adjustment procedure, when the valve cover is off, please check out the lobe wear on the camshafts as well. You can upload an image if you have any questions about wear.