Noticing a ticking noise from engine when the hood is opened (1 Viewer)

[ben7]

Hi everyone,

I’m noticing a ticking noise from my 2017 Lexus GX 460’s engine when the hood is opened, otherwise I don’t hear any ticking when it’s closed.

It’s got just over 31,700 miles (pretty low mileage) and it had a full inspection run by Lexus when I bought it a few months ago which came out with good results.

I’ve read that the Lexus DI engines tick but the GX 460 motor is not DI as far as I understand, so is the ticking normal and why does it tick?

Here is a video clip of the engine sound with ticking:

 

[rex in bama]

Sounds pretty normal to me

 

[Rednexus]

It's probably one of a few things:
1. Fuel injector noise
2. Exhaust leak
3. Valvetrain noise

To find the location, get a piece of rubber hose (2-3' long), hold one end against your ear, and probe the other end around inside the engine bay until you find the source of the noise. You'll hear it loud and clear when the far end is near whatever is making the noise.

Fuel injector noise is normal and can potentially be reduced by cleaning the fuel system (either a solvent cleaner like Techron or a softer cleaner like Lucas UCL). An exhaust leak is just that and would require either gasket replacement or something else (perhaps a cracked manifold) and would be expensive (but presumably your GX is still under warranty).

My GX470 has valvetrain noise associated with a solid-tappet engine. IIRC the 4.6 engine does not have solid tappets, but most DOCH engines have a pretty loud valvetrain, whether solid or hydraulic tappet. It's not typically anything to worry about and can be reduced by changing oil brands (I like Mobil 1 but it makes for a loud engine).

 

[jmanscotch]

Sounds completely normal to me and my same 4.6L engine.

In my experience, several "modern" Toyota motors have less than quiet valvetrains/fuel injectors/etc. My 4.0L Tacoma engine was the worse at sounding almost alarming when going through a drive thru and having the sound bounce off a close building.

 

[ben7]

Thanks everyone for the replies!