kitra

After only owning my 2014 F Sport a few weeks, the Lexus Dealer said the Service Department thinks the engine has got excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chambers. I've only driven the car less than 500 miles since I bought it yet they asked how I drive it and I said very easy since I commute 10 miles to work each way in moderate to heavy traffic. So they said to run it very hard on occasion and doing so won't hurt it. Is carbon build-up something to be concerned about and if so, commuting where I almost never get it over 2,000 RPM can't be helping, correct? Any suggestions to reduce buildup is appreciated. Techron additive to fuel?

ssmoked

yup. I heard many owners across variety of brands with carbon build up simply bc they baby the engine. REVVVV it and drive it like you stole it!

mikesrx350

start with a bottle of techron fuel system cleaner when tank is empty and add bottle fill with shell premium or chevron
run the car for a few days and if an issue, get spark plugs changed then if issue remains go with the carbon service call

JDR76

Have you been having any issues with the car? I'm curious of what led to their diagnosis.

kitra

The vehicle was idling a little rough is why they made the comment, I guess, since I mentioned that when I took it in. It sat on their lot for almost 2 months before I bought it and not sure how many test drives it received. Now since I've been driving it, I finally ran out the gas tank and I refueled. Idles perfect now but seems to have a bit of rattle at idle. Normal? Anyway it's now running great and I'm really getting to enjoy the car. I asked the question here because they told me they have an IS-350 with the heads off because it was carboned up so severely. I said to them - really? They offered me a view in their shop but didn't take them up on it. Maybe they warning me in an odd way?

AL13NV8D3R

Direct injection tech is one reason for carbon build up in cars nowadays. But our 2013-2016 GS should not have this problem because it uses a tech called D4S. Our engines are Port injected in addition to direct injection to prevent carbon build up in the first place. I think you just have bad gas in your tank and a few refills at the gas station should clean it out.

I usually put in a bottle of fuel injector cleaners right before i take the car in to have the oil changed. Make sure to put it in a empty gas tank and fill it up all the way with quality premium fuel before you do. I do this just for the peace of mind.

kitra

Thanks for the tips. I was amazed how different it runs after filling it up with new gasoline. I used Union 76/Phillips-Conoco premium. Here in Oregon, the octane is 92. It runs strong. Took it on a sprint from 65 MPH to 100 in short order.

jdigga99

Ah the good ole Italian tune-up!

Gonzo4gs

Don't be afraid to open her up every now and then.