92 SC400

My 350 is having the can gear recall done and this was recommended - anyone have this service done and is it worth it?

Cali2is

Nay, just get the recall work done. I'm not aware of any carbon issues with the 350. Carbon problem is with the 250.

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

don't need it, theyre tryin to get your $$ that's all

VTsuckah

iTrader: (1)

What they said. The is350 engine has direct port fuel injection system, which does not produce the same carbon build up as the is250's direct fuel injection system.

Here's an old thread explaining the difference: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...stem-work.html

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

NAY!!! Ask them what it is out if curiosity.

92 SC400

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I didn't see any decarbonization or injector cleaning required on the Lexus owner's site so figured it wasn't necessary but thought I'd check in here... After searching these forums a bit, it looks like there are a lot of split opinions on it this service! haha

I think I'm going to skip it for now...

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

I know it is not recommended for IS350. Should we do it for the IS250 though?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^Yes, it might be a good idea for the IS250 models due to the lack of having port injection to help "clean" off the valves.

NYKnick101

Any Decarbonization or fuel system cleaning is all gimmicks from dealers to sell more. Yes the IS250 has carbon issues but there is no easy decarbonization in vehicles other than seafoam

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

I heard driving hard occasionally helps preventing the carbon to build up. Is this a myth or truth? I use this as an excuse anyways to drive hard every day with traction control off like I do in autocross haha

Care to share why fuel system cleaning is all gimmicks? Also, how do you use seafoam? A video tutorial will be great. Does it have any side effect?

reyoasian

iTrader: (2)

PI > DI, IS350 = PI = no carbon buildup

BinaryJay

If they are doing the top engine clean then it is not a gimmick, it involves taking the valve cover off and soaking all of the valves in a toxic marinara for hours.

reyoasian

iTrader: (2)

it's really just flooring the gas to open up your throttle so you get more air which helps to break down some carbon on the surface (in theory)

fuel system cleaning i wouldn't say is a gimmick if they actually take sht apart to clean the inside, but those "fuel cleaners" are definitely a gimmick

seafoam - haven't done this in a while but something like this:
1. start your car warm for like 1-2min
2. 2/3 in fuel tank, 1/3 in engine oil tank, 1/3 in brake booster (optional, have to do this with car on and very slowly else car will shut up and the vac hose will no longer suck)
3. let car idle for a bit to warm up more
4. rev to get it in all the valves and cylinders (white smoke will come out if you added this to your brake booster...so do this somwhere with no people or houses etc.)
5. drive normal around the block couple times

*note: fill up your gas tank before doing this
*note: try to drive hard after this to finish your tank of gas as soon as possible
*note: do this before your oil change, so get your oil change done roughly 1 tank of gas after seafoam

im sure seafoam helps to some degree but it can also degrade rubber/rings/gaskets in the internals

NYKnick101

Yeah but top engine cleaning is more of a recall/larger service than a standard service.

If they offer a top engine cleaning during your standard oil change or regular maintenance, chances are its a special that some company offers to use their product and in exchange you get business to promote their product. My local oil change place offers this with some Valvoline cleaning system product

The actual top engine cleaning that dealerships do (specifically lexus because of the IS250's issue) requires dis-assembly of the engine and hours of labor which most dealerships wont do if not necessary. If you were to price out top engine cleaning outside of warranty, gaurenteed its going to be a $3,000+ job