I removed a spark plug from my 2013 GS350 AWD and looked around with a flexible camera earlier today. I was wondering what the consensus is on the condition of the valve in the attached images? To what degree is the valve dirty? Is a cleaning called for? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!



Thanks!

 

how many miles you got? I’m planning on doing the spark plugs and sticking a camera down the valves as well .

I’ve definitely seen worse valves all things considered carbon build up is not too thic or chunky. Our 2GR-FSE are direct and port injection so it helps with keep the carbon build up.

 

You need an italian tune up. Get plenty of fuel onto the valves.

 

Anyone ever use Seafoam, Techron or Lucas Oil fuel injector cleaner or even Marvel Mystery oil fuel treatment and oil enhancer additives in your Lexus engines?

 

Sorry, I should've said that I have 91k miles on the car. I recently used CRC Intake Valve Cleaner, and I clean the crankcase every 15k miles with BG (just prior to changing the oil) as well.

 

I posted this elsewhere, but Project Farm has done multiple detailed, long-term observations on his vehicles. If you are interested, here are some of the videos:

https://www.youtube.com/c/ProjectFar...?query=seafoam

 

I was going to suggest that as well. They help but they won't work miracles in one tank of fuel.

To the OP, those don't look bad for your mileage. I agree with the Italian tune-up comment. Warm it up before your next oil change then find a place you can redline it in 1st and 2nd gear. I'll bet you see a black cloud behind you. That was pure carbon build-up blown out the tailpipe. Change the oil. You can do it again prior to your next oil change.

 

I did the Italian tune-up after I used the CRC cleaner a few weeks ago. I was just curious to see if the valves were in bad shape. Seems like everything is OK. Thanks!

 

I do this Spray in Intake cleaning every 3 months or so. I use the Seafoam spray in. I also add a can of BK44 cleaner in the Tank or other, every 1 -2 months. I have taken my Intake off before and seen minimum carbon build up, but I cleaned in the ports with brake cleaner still. I also once had Toyota do the service for me. I'm more so trying to prevent build up.

I don't think this is anything major to worry about if you don't want to do anything your engine will still run. I just like my engine to run at peak and optimum all the time, and keep the ECU timing at a very high KCLV. It's a proven fact with many cars that intake cleaning and minimizing carbon in there will help and less carbon build up allows a higher flow in the Intake.

 

That looks absolutely spotless compared to my IS250, I wouldn't worry about it so much. Stay away from those intake valve cleaner kits like AT-100, 3M, Berryman unless you have it professionally done. I use to do it every 15k miles on my IS until I decided to try Berryman's kit. It flooded my intake and hydro-locked my engine snapping a rod. Obviously, they never responded to my complaints and I had to bear the full cost of replacing the motor. If you have it professionally done it, at least they are going to cover any damage that may happen. The Berryman kit was $30 vs paying a shop $80-100 to do it.

What I have been doing lately is using ACDelco's intake valve cleaner. I actually pull the intake, remove the spark plugs and spray directly on the valves. I will then jumper the starter to blow out any chemical from the cylinders prior to putting everything back together.

On my GS350, I just use high quality gas like Chevron and not worry about it.

 

How did this happen that you locked the motor. Can you tell us how you used it that this happened. Berryman is decent stuff, and just about the same as the others.

So on the GS, guess what this is here for on the top back of the Intake that Lexus and Toyota use for?

 

I’ve always wondered what little blocked off thing on top the other plenum is. What is it?

 

I was told it can be used to induce vacuum intake cleaning solutions.

 

I just pulled the brake booster hose and used it for vacuum. I’ve done this with different cars; as long as the hose is accessible it works well.