My IS350 only has 11,000 miles and I happened to open the hood today...

I noticed that my radiator cap had a bunch of pink foam/crust all over it and it had leaked down below? What does this mean?

I also completely depend on my car to get to work, so if I take it to Lexus tomorrow, do you think I'll get a loaner car? THanks!

 

Yes, you should be able to get a loaner car.

 

i had pink foam crusty stuff on top of my radiator. i pointed it out when i got an oil change and the tech said it's normal overflow residue.

 

ok thats good to hear, cuz i was thinking my car would already need a new radiator. i thought they were supposed to be completely sealed though...

 

i think i saw that on both our IS when i was did the oil change. I hope it's normal!

 

I dont know why people get all crazy over stuff like this, its under warranty LOL and they always give a loaner car!

 

i was just concerned cuz every time i've tried getting a loaner car they have denied me -- that's bev hills lexus though... maybe i'll try santa monica. i bought mine at Longo which I really like, but it's way too far to drive...

 

It is sealed under normal conditions, but being a pressurized system you have to have a way to release excess pressure (in the form of steam). The radiator cap has a pressure release valve. Otherwise you'd run the risk of blowing the radiator, hoses and who know's what else up in the event of a high temperature excursion. Most likely it is just a bit of overflow, no need to worry. But have Lexus take a peek at it if you are worried about it.

 

Thats correct, BUT remember there is a coolant overflow reservoir for anything that is pushed out. Might be a leaky cap, ask if they will replace it for peace of mind.

 

I had a similar issue when my car reach 20k although mine was leaking at the top of the radiator. Lexus replaced the radiator under warranty and all has been good since, I'm at 31k now.

Here's a link to the thread I started with pics https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=284157

 

How interesting -- that's exactly how mine looks around the cap. However, since there's all the black plastic covering everything else, it may or may not look that way on the rest of the radiator -- I'm not sure since I can't see most of the radiator. I think I'll take it in this weekend. Too busy during the week...