Periodic grinding noise

2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
68,000 MILES
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TOMTRUSSELL
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On cold starts only, you hear a sound like a bad bendix on a starter. After the 4th trip to Toyo. dealership they finally heard the noise. They said it was some kind of part that allows oil to lubricate the chain on 1st starts & that the motor has to be pulled to replace it. This would be an expensive repair. Does this sound right to you?
May 3, 2013 at 8:23 AM
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KHLOW2008
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Not sure what noise it is but if it only occurs during initial start, the timing chain and related components are sure likely to be the cause.
How is the condition of the engine oil and was any lubricant additive ever used?
How often do you replace the engine oil?
May 3, 2013 at 8:49 AM
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TOMTRUSSELL
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The oil gets changed every time the 100% goes to 0% or about 5,000 miles. I used 5W20 multigrade until the last time using 100% synthetic 5W20 having 68,000 miles on it. I am concerned about the internal damage to the motor, if any, by this part going bad around the chain. Would the car be worth keeping or will I run into more problems down the line?
May 3, 2013 at 9:36 AM
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KHLOW2008
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With regular oil changes, there shouldn't be any problem with the chains or its lubrication as the mileage is considered low for engine mechanical components to fail.

Is the engine heavily sludged?

Unless the timing chain is affected and damaged due to inefficient lubrication, there would not be much of a problem but since the noise is not present all the time, it is still a long way before it becomes a problem.
May 3, 2013 at 11:20 AM
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TOMTRUSSELL
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The engine looks good. I do not notice any sludge build up. Thank you for your time as it is much appreciated.
May 3, 2013 at 11:34 AM
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KHLOW2008
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You're welcome.

If you want to get to the bottom of this, you shoudl try to diagnose the cause of the noise and the exact location/component that is emitting it.
May 4, 2013 at 9:06 AM