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Hello
I have noticed a leak , of what it seems a headgasket probelm. the car is diesel - Lexus IS 220d, , year 2007
Can some one a confirm if I need the head gasket replaced ? I can not notice any oil in the coolant reservoir, or any milky residue in the oil cap.
But in case this is the head gasket I wouldnt be prepared to spend all that money in a car this old, so what about those leak sealers , are they really effective, and for how long ?
If you can confirm the fluid is coolant and coolant is being lost, I'd say your diagnosis is correct. What is the maintenance history? On petrol vehicles the OEM coolant is said to be good for 10 years but I'm sure there are exceptions going both directions. If the fluid lost its rust inhibitors, it will allow corrosion and the HG is the weakest link.
I've never in my life used those products but many have. You might flush the fluid for new and try it before it gets worse.
Thanks for your reply
I am not an mechanic expert, but the leak seems to be oil rather than coolant, would that change the diagnosis ? in the meantime I will replace the coolant with new one.
This car has many miles ( 250.000), and has not been serviced at the Lexus dealership s for the last 100.000.
Yes it would change everything. Are either fluids low in 500mi? Coolant or oil?
Is there drips/puddles where you park? Is there dots of oil/coolant on the rear bumper or trunk lid?
If so, these would likely show up as fluid loss if you watch it closely.
Have you posted this problem on the UK LexusOwnersClub website ( https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/fo...-is-200d-club/ )
You might get a lot more info on this known fault with the diesel version of the Lexus as there are a lot more diesel cars in the UK than in the US.
"Are either fluids low in 500mi? Coolant or oil?"
"Is there drips/puddles where you park? Is there dots of oil/coolant on the rear bumper or trunk lid?"
Coolant was added a couple of monthes ago and now it is on minimum level, and no oil was added lately
There are no drips , where I use to park
There is NO "crust build up", the leak is liquid. does that mean is only oil ?
Before I took the pictures I had someone to clean the engine with pressurized water, so I have no way to say if the rear bumper or trunk lid were dirty, but as far as I can remember there was only the small area bellow the head gasket.
I will definetely try one of those sealers such as Blue Devil sealer, but I guess first I have to know if this is a head gasket issue or any other, since there are diferent Blue Devil products for each situation.
Any thoughts ?
head gasket ?
