2012 Lexus GS250 F-Sport diesel like engine sound under acceleration????(Possible piston slap)

[Waleed]

I've got a lexus gs250 with 95000 miles on the clock. Recently I've noticed the engine rattles when I accelerate. It sort of sounds like a diesel. It usually happens between 1000-3000 rpms. Sound like this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmbynU-YW2k#t=134) under load. After doing some research online, turns out it is an uncommon issue with is250s & 4GR FSE's (https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-2nd-gen-2006-2013/762822-is250-making-diesel-like-noise.html). I did set aside a sum for surprises like these. I'd like some suggestions for an independent Lexus specialist around London that could change out the Timing change tensioner. And if anybody else has experienced a similar issue?

 

[Mihanicos]

Check the buckets of the hydraulic self adjusting valves. There are videos on Youtube how to test them.

The timing chains, guides and tentioner should normally last until full engine overhaul. The engines of well maintained Lexus, Toyota should normally exceed 450000 miles. Some engines exceed 1 million miles.

Chris.

[johnatg]

Hi Waleed

I'd find it really hard to diagnose your problem from here. Maybe you have a hole in the exhaust - perhaps the pipe in front of one of the silencers. Does the car feel smooth when you drive or is it missing? It could be a semi-blocked fuel injector or a failing plug coil. Do you run on premium petrol? Try a tankful or two of Shell V-Power. That's all I can suggest really. An actual engine problem is unlikely if the car has been properly maintained - oil changes etc. I wouldn't start changing things on spec - you need to find out what is actually causing the noise, even if that means spending money at a Lexus dealer.

I have no idea about Lexus indies near London - I'm in Cheshire and rarely visit the smoke and certainly not to get any kind of Lexus service/repair.

[Waleed]

On 6/8/2021 at 1:18 PM, johnatg said:

Hi Waleed

I'd find it really hard to diagnose your problem from here. Maybe you have a hole in the exhaust - perhaps the pipe in front of one of the silencers. Does the car feel smooth when you drive or is it missing? It could be a semi-blocked fuel injector or a failing plug coil. Do you run on premium petrol? Try a tankful or two of Shell V-Power. That's all I can suggest really. An actual engine problem is unlikely if the car has been properly maintained - oil changes etc. I wouldn't start changing things on spec - you need to find out what is actually causing the noise, even if that means spending money at a Lexus dealer.

I have no idea about Lexus indies near London - I'm in Cheshire and rarely visit the smoke and certainly not to get any kind of Lexus service/repair.

The car does drive smoothly, but i feel it's a little down on power(maybe that's because i'm coming from a v8 bmw). However it gives the usual kick in the back when i lift my foot completely off the throttle mid acceleration and the car shifts into the next gear and drops the rpm(However I think that's just how the gearbox is setup). I have run Shell V-Power since I picked it up (90k miles). The sound definitely originates from the backside of the engine. I have it booked in for next week for TechOne to have a look and diagnose it. 

Surprisingly the Car was bought at Lexus Cheshire and was maintained there till about 70k miles. After that it's got a bit of a dodgy service history(different independants and at weird intervals) till about 90k. 

[superatticman]

On 6/7/2021 at 10:03 PM, Waleed said:

I've got a lexus gs250 with 95000 miles on the clock. Recently I've noticed the engine rattles when I accelerate. It sort of sounds like a diesel. It usually happens between 1000-3000 rpms. Sound like this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmbynU-YW2k#t=134) under load. After doing some research online, turns out it is an uncommon issue with is250s & 4GR FSE's (https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-2nd-gen-2006-2013/762822-is250-making-diesel-like-noise.html). I did set aside a sum for surprises like these. I'd like some suggestions for an independent Lexus specialist around London that could change out the Timing change tensioner. And if anybody else has experienced a similar issue?

 

Hi Waleed.

The injectors on this engine are fairly noisy (especially when cold) land was something I noticed straight away when test driving a GS250 for the first time. I test drove three low mileage versions and all sounded exactly the same. You only hear them during certain driving conditions though. In fact I'd agree they do sound a bit like a diesel at times. My previous 2.5 litre 6cyl engine in a 5 series was definitely more of a 'purring' engine than the Lexus lump which is a bit more 'rorty' so to speak. Perhaps it's pointing towards something injector wise? Agree with the comments though. 95k is nothing on this particular engine. Unlike a lot of German stuff which sensors, electrics etc start to complain at 80-100k, this unit should in general be bombproof.

However that clip from YouTube is definitely a bit more severe than anything I've heard. 

As for independent specialists in North London afraid I can't help. I've always used Lexus main dealer Edgware Road and theyve always been very good. Price wise Lexus main dealers aren't as bad as one might presume.