SenecaRex

I just bought my first Lex; a 98 gs400 with 268k+ miles on it. Runs very well, but there is a bit of a hesitation/shutter during idle. Not too bad, almost unnoticeable, and can't feel it at all during driving.
Also, it leaks tons of oil. A TON.
Perhaps these two issues are connected? I'm not sure. The following is the troubleshooting I've performed:

PART 1
Pulled the codes and I got seven of them--

• P0300 - Random/multiple cylinder misfire
• P0301 - Cyl 1 misfire
• P0303 - Cyl 3 misfire
• P0305 - Cyl 5 misfire
• P0307 - Cyl 7 misfire
• P1346 - VVT Sensor/Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Problem (Bank 1)
• P1349 - VVT System Malfunction (Bank 1)

Based on what I have read-up on thus far, I think I may need a new OCV, or can I just clean it?
Might I also need a camshaft sensor? Am I missing any other likely culprits/remedies/clues?

PART 2:
It leaks a ton of oil, as in it's dangerously low within 2 days after topping off oil. It leaks down onto the exhaust and/or headers and burns pretty nasty.
By the looks of it it seems to be all over the font of the motor, with the concentration of it near the center, not TOO much near the valve covers. At this point, I am assuming I need a new crank seal.
any other ideas?


Please advise...

Thanks, CL!

newgsman

iTrader: (4)

I had that code 1346 a couple of years ago. Changed the OCV (drivers side) and was good until about a month ago when I got 1354. I changed the other OCV (passenger side) and now everything is fine again. I was getting a few random misfire codes with 1354 also. All seems fine now. I did try cleaning the OCV but it didn't help one bit.

The oil leak could possibly be the valve cover gasket. I noticed a few days ago mine looked like it was seeping oil out. I snugged down the valve cover bolts. Not too tight but enough to firm them up. I am hoping that will fix the problem for now. Eventually I will change the gaskets.

SenecaRex

Hmmm. Good to know. I'll likely just replace the OCV when I replace my timing belt.

lexo98

iTrader: (2)

If your losing that much oil that fast your VVTI may not be functioning properly and causing the codes to come up. The VVTI runs on oil pressure. On my gs300 I cleaned out the OCV filter and filled up my oil and I was good again.

SenecaRex

That makes sense; even better!

SenecaRex

For any future researchers: Yes, it was the crankshaft seal that was leaking.

-Yes I had to get to it by replacing my timing belt (and water pump).
-Yes the PS pulley needed to come off to get to remove timing belt cover.
-Yes the crank pulley bolt was a slight pain (I needed to use a chain wrench with handle lodged under AC unit to keep the pulley in place, which was surprisingly easy -- did not have a impact gun nor used the "starter bump" method).

It's an easy, albeit time consuming job. Go for it!

SenecaRex

Forgot to add: the OCV was the other problem! Changed it and worked like a charm. Cleaning did not help (it was completely burnt out)