Jeff92se

It's probably been posted but since we share the same engine as the Camry etc..

http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=38302

Off hand, I don't see an easy way to check for sludge w/o taking one valve cover off. Not exactly my idea of a good time.

Beaker

The Sludge thing had me concerned.....

So I talked to my Lexus Tech Buddy, he says the only ones he's seen in over 15 years of working on Toyota's and Lexus's are the ones that the owner figures the oil should never be changed.

He can't figure out why somebody would pay 40k plus for a car and then cheap out on the oil changes....

Some cars come in at 50,000 kms (30,000 miles) for their first change, and then wonder why their engine is full of junk, try that on a Chevvie or a Fiord...

So his advice is this....
"Change it as the Manufacturer suggests, more often if you feel you are subjecting the vehicle to "Severe use" and don't worry about it...."

You will never ruin an engine by changing the oil too much!


Advice from the Desk of Beaker

Jeff92se

I've seen this more than once. And as the article said, many Toyotas are affected. But the rate of RX300s seem low. If in fact there is a design defect, then changing the oil might not be enough. We might have to go to some quality synthetic that has much higher temp capabilities. But once again, it's a question of finding an easy way to check.

sleepybobcat

I always change the oil in my '01 RX300 every 5000 miles.
It is done by the selling dealer's service dept, but I bring
my own Mobil 1 Tri-Synthetic 5W-30 oil. (they just take off
the oil charge from the bill) I've used the same oil since the first
oil change at the 1000-mile mark.

It currently has over 26000 miles and every service is fully
documented by the dealer.

If I have a problem and Lexus(Toyota Corp) tries to screw
me, which I hope will never happen, my first phone call
will be to my attorney's office. I understand the pains
& troubles these affected owners are experiencing, but I cannot
understand why they are not taking legal actions. (at least
I've not heard of a single lawsuit yet)

Also, where are these alleged websites created to warn
people from buying Toyotas or Lexus? I'd like to read more.

Thanks!

Beaker

Hello again.....

Before letting the 'Sludge" thing get you all tied up in knots, maybe you slide over to this site-http://www.yotarepair.com/Sludge_Zone.html
This site has a bunch of links regarding Sludge in a number of makes and models, and the author of the page says a number of times, do the oil changes at the required intervals.

He also mentions it in NOT only a Toyota/Lexus issue.

As far as the type of oil, I use the "Consumer Reports" information from a couple of years ago, they said basically "Buy whatever oil you like as long as it is of a correct rating (SAE), and change it often.

I seems that if there is a design flaw in the Toyota engines, it is that they won't allow the sludge to flow freely in the engine, causing problems, but this is where I believe the sludge is but the symptom, not the cause of the problem.

Food for thought, and I'm sure we haven't heard the last of this yet......

From the deak of Beaker

Jeff92se

Nice info!

whitels

Here's an easy way to spot if sludge or gelling is beginning to form in your engine:

Unscrew your oil filler cap and turn it over. Run your fingernail against the inside of the cap and see what you get. If you have a fairly new (under 50Kmi) engine, there shouldn't be anything on your fingernail except for a very thin film of oil/varnish deposit. How to tell if you have the sludge? You'll know when you get quite a bit of deposit.

Solution? Oil change 3-4 times within 1000 miles with filter changes.

Jeff92se

Hmm I'll check

You mean the first 1000 miles?? Or 3-4 times every 1000 miles?? Doesn't make sense. Expand on that if you could.

whitels

Jeff92se-

Change the oil and filter every 250 miles until you have changed 4x (or have reached 1000 miles). At that point, you can go back to your routine oil change.

Note that you will only do this if you suspect that sludge or gel is evident in your engine.