JHawk

I would say that describes it pretty well yeah. I actually thought it was the exhaust when I first heard it.

Yeh just filled up expansion tank and it didn't make any difference to the temperature. Weird thing is it tends to fluxiate. It will almost go into the red and then it will drop back down to a more normal level. Its the rattling now which is of concern after my drive home from work. It sounds like something is dragging on the floor. It stops when I'm stationary so thats what made me think that but everything is soundly in place underneath the car. Was thinking it could be something catching on the wheels or something. But it must be something engine based surely and then that is affecting my temperature. I admit I'm not an expert whatsoever when it comes to mechanics of an engine and with a Lexus you rarely need to be.

Hi Phil, I've not checked the pressures so that might be worth checking. As for the fan. I've not checked that. I'm not going to be doing my 100 drive though. Would it be wise to top my radiator up with water for my short trip home from work? Thanks v much Jason

Hi Everyone, I have recently noticed my Lexus IS200 doing some very strange things after many years of perfect driving. It started with the Engine Management light coming on a couple of weeks ago. My driving was still perfect though I have just had 2 new tyres put on (I don't believe this is the issue) and driving to work yesterday morning the steering started shaking but went back to normal driving after 2 or 3 miles. Anyway the same thing happened this morning but then I also heard a rattling noise. It was difficult to make out if it was coming from the back or the front. My initial thought its was coming from back. Because I only had a short journey I decided to continue to work. On qeueing at traffic lights I then noticed the temperature gauge getting high. It wasn't in the red but it was getting close. On finally getting to work there was a small amount of steam coming from the engine. So for me it could be more than one thing. New tyres have been put on and now needs balancing, but that doesn't answer my temperature. Could this be totally unrelated and be an issue with the radiator or something? One final thing I have a 100 mile drive tomorrow. I'm guessing it would be unadvisable to make this journey until I get this issue sorted. Thanks in advance for your advice. Jason