GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

GS4 130K Safe to switch to Synthetic?

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Old 12-16-11, 08:34 AM
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GS4Beast
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Default GS4 130K Safe to switch to Synthetic?

I recently purchased a 2000 GS400. I would like to start using Amsoil in it, but i'm concerned because the mileage is high. Any thoughts are appreciated.
Old 12-16-11, 08:47 AM
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NEbiker10
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Do you have service records??? If your previous oil changes have been syn keep it that way. When I bought my gs4 I had all the records and every single oil changes slip. even at 128 I still use mb1 syn
Old 12-16-11, 08:47 AM
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vwynn
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depends but it shouldnt be bad.. if it does leak then just fix it.

Obviously if it starts leaking cuz of the switch then it woulda leaked over time anyways. Better fix it now than later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-ZpHr5l0U0
Old 12-16-11, 08:59 AM
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GS4Beast
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I don't have the previous service records, but i think the next time i go in for a change, I'm going to go with synthetic. Thanks guys
Old 12-16-11, 09:51 AM
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vwynn
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go on lexus.com and input your VIN in the vehicle thing to see pass records from Lexus.. it gives you an idea at least.


https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex...-lexus/home.do
Old 12-16-11, 10:43 AM
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Busha
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Do not use synthetic !! You car is to old for that it's just going to leak. For the last time synthetic oil is not for old cars!
Old 12-16-11, 10:58 AM
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Kytann
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That's totally incorrect.
It's a leftover old wives tale from the days when Synthetic oils were a new product and being put in ancient cars.

Let me put it this way, if you car is being held together by sludge the Synthetic Oil may, over time, break down enough of the sludge to expose the gaskets to fresh oil. If your gaskets are ****ty cork like in the old American cars with large part tolerances, then it'll probably leak.

On your Lexus 130k miles and the engine isn't even at it's halfway point. The tolerances are all much closer, and the gaskets all started out as a higher quality material.

The only thing Synthetic will do is flow easier and quicker in the mornings. Which is especially important during these cold winter months. This will reduce some engine wear at start-up.
Old 12-16-11, 11:00 AM
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Also, on teh subject of sludge. If you think your car's engine may have some sludge buildup you want to clean it out slowly, not all at once.

A way to do this (like my old Tacoma was) is to use Synthetic oil plus a single quart of diesel oil every oil change. And change the filter every 1500 miles. Diesel oil has alot more detergents than regular oil, and will break down the sludge. Only one quart because you want to do it slowly.
Old 12-16-11, 11:03 AM
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If your car is leaking oil, using synthetic is not wise. And if the car is not burning oil then do use synthetic.
Old 12-16-11, 11:47 AM
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Default My synthetic oil experience

I started using synth in my GS400 at 127,000KM when I bought the car - now 160,000KM - No problems.
I switched my 91 Sunbird to synth at 395,000KM - No problems
I switched my 2004 Malibu to synth at 130,000Km - No problems
I switched my 90 Cressida at 114,000 KM - No problems
I think you're safe
Old 12-16-11, 11:51 AM
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Kytann
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My point was modern synthetics will not cause an oil leak to get worse.
That's a fallacy from the days of large part tolerance and cheap cork gaskets
Old 12-16-11, 12:06 PM
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repugnante
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Originally Posted by Kytann
That's totally incorrect.
It's a leftover old wives tale from the days when Synthetic oils were a new product and being put in ancient cars.

Let me put it this way, if you car is being held together by sludge the Synthetic Oil may, over time, break down enough of the sludge to expose the gaskets to fresh oil. If your gaskets are ****ty cork like in the old American cars with large part tolerances, then it'll probably leak.

On your Lexus 130k miles and the engine isn't even at it's halfway point. The tolerances are all much closer, and the gaskets all started out as a higher quality material.

The only thing Synthetic will do is flow easier and quicker in the mornings. Which is especially important during these cold winter months. This will reduce some engine wear at start-up.
Well stated. I was gonna post something similar. But I like the way you worded it
Old 12-16-11, 12:20 PM
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Kytann
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Thanks :thumbsup:
Glad I can contribute.
Looks like the system censored my dirty language. Interesting.
Old 12-16-11, 09:01 PM
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ironoxide1
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2001 gs430...195,000 miles....1998 es300 155,000 miles...2001 rx300 245,000 miles...all use synthetic oil...and not one leaks a drop...can back that up with my previous cars...1994 ls400...248,000 miles no oil leaks....2001 gs300...207,000 no oil leaks...2000 ls400...62000 lol no oil leaks...
Old 12-17-11, 02:40 AM
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istundra
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Originally Posted by Kytann
My point was modern synthetics will not cause an oil leak to get worse.
That's a fallacy from the days of large part tolerance and cheap cork gaskets
agreed. the older gaskets i use to see do look like a wine cork!

i've been using synthetic on my truck and 2gs since day 1.

2004 v6 tundra. w/ 110K. still runs like brand new! :thumb up:

same with the 2003 GS300 w/ 55K. :thumb up:

jus the suspension woes of lowered 2GS...

however, the woman's 2IS... always been serviced by Lexus... so thats been taking what they normally give. still good. it just has the trembles from time to time.
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