jetpig

Hi all,
I searched and am finding a few sporatic entries about my issue but I need more specifics before I take the car back.
About 20 days ago I took my wife's IS350 to our local dealer (Lexus of Charleston) for the variable valve timing gear bolt fix. This car has 47K on it now and has always been absolutely perfect until it came home from this recall. Since then, it has sporatically stalled after starting. Many times it would idle for several minutes then stalls. It also has had periods of rough running as well. The probem is getting worse now and I need to take it back. I know this must be related to the recall fix but I am sure the dealer will dispute otherwise.

Please help me if you have knowledge of this!! Thanks!!

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

For the entire 20 day duration, did you/your wife experience these issues...plus probably a lack of performance? I'd hope for their case that they didn't incorrectly timing the car or break something.

Is the car throwing any CELs?

jetpig

It came on slow. Some noticeable engine roughness, Occasional stall after first start then it would be OK. It all seemed like a bit of bad gas to me in the beginning (lexus free tank after recall) but I added seafoam and completely ran it down to almost dry before filling. Only name brand premium also. I called the dealer last week and of course they said bring it down but it is a journey and needs planned. Just the last couple days the problem has magnified itself and it will barely run. My other half is one of those who only needs 2 tanks of gas per month. This car was absolutely perfect running until it went to the dealer for this recall. I just need to arm myself with info before taking it down.
Thanks

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Yeah, don't tell the dealership you used Seafoam. Stick to your guns that the car was running 100% fine before the recall, and ask about what fuel they use to fill up the cars as a courtesy after recalls are performed.

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

if you can, record the car stalling. That way the dealership won't have "problems" replicating the symptoms and turning you away, making your trip to the dealership a waste of time.

jetpig

Update. Got it to the dealer. Dealer called a couple days later and said the high pressure fuel pump is failing. They had no problem duplicating the problem at all. Now for the fun part. A $1300 bill to pay....

Wht95scort

Depending on your dofu date this may be covered under your engine/drivetrain warranty.
Or you possible have extra care?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

The fuel pump is not a difficult item to source and replace. Just take out the rear seat bottoms, open up the hatch, remove the entire unit, replace the pump, and re-install everything. I think even BASIC hand tools could get this job done for just the price of the pump itself.

You can also source a good, used unit from ebay too.

Too bad you're so far away, I'd gladly help with the work.

GL!

Wht95scort

The high psi pump is on the passenger valve cover

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^Oh yeah, totally forgot about that; don't know of anyone on here having had to replace that pump before (though I'm sure you'd not be the first). Google quickly showed me this that might help you :

http://www.2carpros.com/questions/2007-lexus-is-is350

jetpig

Thanks for the info/help! I absolutely would have done this work myself if I had a clue what it could have been. Any fuel pump I have ever been around either worked or didn't so the vehicle would either run or not. I would have never considered or suspected it.
Next question: Since this fuel pump is actually part of the engine and not an external component, would this be covered under the powertrain warrantee?
Again, great help here!

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^Well, tell us your model year and mileage!

jetpig

Well I believe my wife is 6 months out of the 72 month window. The car only has 47K on it though. Does any one know if the high pressure fuel pump is removed or messed with at all during the variable valve timing bolt replacement? I know I am not just grasping at straws here. This car purred like a kitten and roared like a lion 100% until Lexus messed with it. Should have never done this recall!!

B16da9

iTrader: (7)

If you're only 6 months out of warranty contact lexus corp and perhaps they'll do a goodwill warranty. Which they will pay for the part but you'll have to pay for the labor to intall it.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^Agreed, and make sure to mention the car had ZERO issues until you took it in for the VVT cam gear replacement. Though they might not take 100% of the hit, they might do 50/50 or something for you.

Well, though I cannot be sure about whether they touched that pump during the VVT gear replacement, it would be something to again mention during the call to CORP.

GL!