Simmerman

Heres the deal, about 3 weeks ago I picked up my LS430. 02 and does have 183k miles on it. Older gentleman owned it before me since day one.

During my test drive he said I had a heavy foot (and I was just doing over a 1/4 throttle) LOL.

Well today I noticed I gave it about 80% throttle at higher speeds (Was in the HOV lane where those speeds are allowed) and once I let off, I noticed a ton of smoke & back bumper had a ton of residue on it.

The original owner had it maintained at the local Lexus dealership every since 5000 miles as recommended and even the service writer I deal with confirmed that. Car was not beat on at all and was maintained.

Just curious, has anyone ever dealt with a similar situation possibly? I changed the oil last week and the oil level did not move after this incident happened. And now back to normal driving, it's perfectly fine.

So your opinion... carbon build up or needs a new motor?

Simmerman

Also oil is Mobil 1 5w30. Going to do a oil change tomorrow and step the thickness up a level

jayclapp

When you burn oil, the smoke is light grey, not black. I don't think you're burning oil. Mobil 1 is great, but I'd stick with the recommended viscosity.

jimbosr1

sounds like you just blow out a lot of carbon which is good if the first owner drove it like a 90 year old.i would also change the plugs.

Simmerman

One thing that worried me was right after all this happened, literally 30 seconds later I took my exit and came up to a light. It was stilll smoking but slowly went away as I kept driving normal.

usermel

Sounds like carbon getting released, just a guess but, most older people don't rush along like that(We all can do this a little more to be honest in general), they take there time driving because there not in a rush. our car for the most part probably hasn't been pushed as much as the next car has so, they smoke was probably a build up release. If it was still occurring everyday, I'd be concerned but, clearly as you drove it went away.

The person who owned the car probably never went over 60 mph., so the car hasnt been driven rough at all!!! Just a guess, if really concerned take it to the dealer or a experienced mechanic and have it diagnosed for the peace of mind. I dont think its a serious issue nor an issue at all fellow member!!!! L.G.N.M

JSDND1980

Are you running on Premium fuel??

AlexusAnja

If your oil is clear, maintenance record is good and up to par, then I would not worry about it. Black smoke in the beginning with no other signs of engine failure then it's just carbon being blown just drive it and enjoy. Cars now born again new...

john339

I used to borrow my in laws vw and it would miss and smoke until I got on the throttle a bit and then it blew smoke and cleared up and ran without the missing.
Maybe that is the trouble?

01gs3

iTrader: (10)

Run something through the car to clean it out?

Something like seafoam? STP? Mobil Addidtives?

Jabberwock

Suggest two tanks of gas with the big bottle of Techron concentrate in each. Get the expensive Techron - it has additive that actually works versus a lot of the snake oil being sold.

Also several oil brands sell a full syn specifically designed with additive package for high mileage cars - you may want to try to run a version of one of those with 180k+ miles.

john339

Techron has cured stumbling problems in our old VW Vanagon. Quick and easy fix.