Gs3500

Why not just monitor and add oil going forward and call it a day if it's not leaking that bad?

istarzan

iTrader: (8)

This is scaring me. My 07 is350 doesn't have leaks that I know of. But I go to an independent oil change place. Is there a way to check leaking by drips in your garage? Wouldn't the plastic underside engine cover catch drips? I have no idea where to look.

whiteis33

My 07 had the same problem and the dealership was charging me about $3800 to get it fixed. I called Lexus corporate and they gave me $1000 towards fixing it. I ended up replacing my alternator and selling the car.

vleong1

Just a FYI the motor does not need to be pulled if you want to DIY this and don't have an engine crane/lift/hoist.. ​​​you will need to have engine support brackets and the back of Gumby though

toyotaguy

I have an 06 IS350 with disappearing oil (don't know where it's going but filling couple of quarts between changes) so read through this thread and now I'm concerned if this is the source of the problem. I know there's another thread about putting in a quart every 1k is considered "normal" so I don't know which is the case with my car now. Great, either my car's fine or I'm screwed clear as mud.

Sconnie

You know of a write up on this?

vleong1

Sorry no write-up but I did take some pictures throughout the repair.

wopr

My 06 IS350 has been "burning" oil for over a year now. Car was just at the dealer last week for new door panels. They found this leak. Quoted over $3k to fix. I'm taking in to a Toyota indie shop this week to see what they say.

Brian7

iTrader: (2)

Well I thought I had the timing cover leak from hell but it turns out behind the injector box (clunky box on the pass side front of the motor) there is an access plate for something inside the pass side head. I vaguely remember reading something about someone else finding a leak there but mine was also leaking from there. I pulled the plate off, smeared FIPG on both sides of the gasket and bolted it back up. Driven about 500 miles since and haven't seen any sign of leaking oil. It's pretty clear to see when that injector harness box is out of the way if yours is leaking or not. Mine had dirt covered oil piled up around the very bottom bolt holding that plate on. Point being, check your car out! It might be easier than you think to fix.

Brian7

iTrader: (2)

Here is a picture of what I'm talking about. See the colored rectangle plate above the water pump on the left side thats held in with 4 bolts? Thats what was leaking on my motor

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Hmmmm.............. what engine is that?

Brian7

iTrader: (2)

Looks like a race version 2GR haha. Heres another picture showing the same plate. Note, this plate is clean as a whistle, mine was not but it was only grimey/oily around the lowest bolt.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

I think that is an inspection plate.

Brian7

iTrader: (2)

That would make sense. In any case, worth checking out if you believe your motor is leaking and its as easy as pulling the air box out and that injector box out to check.

heliskiier

OK, so how much and how fast is the oil typically leaking? If it's 2-3 qts between changes why in the world would anyone spend $3k to fix it when putting in a few quarts does the trick? We Saab guys know all about leaks. Often they are not terminal or dangerous if one keeps an eye on them. I'm curious being a learning IS guy. If the stuff isn't spewing and only dripping a bit, what's the problem?

This is kinda tied to my thread asking about 2007 IS350 "gremlins" and how to buy a good one. If the oil thing is a terminal issue, I'm not buying the car even if it only happens to even to one of 10 or 20 and it's terminal if not fixed. If it's a small leak that only makes a little mess on the motor and floor, I'm fine with it.