Hi folks.

First question:
I'm soon going to replace my timing belt, but before I do this I want to get all the parts.
Can anyone tell me if there is a timing chain cover gasket or do I just use a gasket maker?

Second question:
Can anyone tell me if they've purchased fron Carid.com ?
They are selling a Melling® - High Alloy Steel Timing Set, whch includes timing chains etc.

 

The timing chain (not belt) on the IS isn't a maintenance item, so it is typically only touched if there is something wrong with it or something else. Even the timing cover in general will typically only be touched if it's leaking.

Why are you needing to change the timing chain?

Jeff

 

Hi Jeff.
My engine warning lights have came on.
I have cleared them but they keep coming back.
Ive replaced sensors to no avail.
The fault code is P017, which is the timing chain on bank 1.
Lexus also recommend changing the chain at 100,000.
Mine is at 90,000.

 

Lexus recommends changing the timing belt yes, but your car doesn’t have one. Lexus does not have a maintenance interval for the timing chain and they typically last for 200-300k miles or more without issue.

P017 is missing a digit. If you can post the full code I can check out the info.

Jeff

 

Sorry. I said belt. I meant chain. Lexus said it’s a recommendation.
P017 is the full code.

 

Lexus should have no recommendation for a timing chain replacement, the only recommendation is if the car has a timing belt at 100k miles, which these engines have timing chains, not belts, as stated above.

P0017 could be a few things. Stretched chain, clogged oil screens, tensioner, sensors, etc. Did this car have the VVT actuator recall done?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...elation-4.html

 

P017 isn’t a full code unfortunately. P0171 and P0172 are codes for the bank 1 oxygen sensors reading too lean or rich, respectively. There are no codes that start with P017 related to anything timing related unless it was causing a rich/lean condition. If that was the case the chain would have to have some serious problems and you’d notice more than an oxygen n sensor code.

Lexus UK 100k Recommendations for the IS250:
http://l1-movies.lexus-europe.com/me...ary%200518.pdf

Timing chain is not in that list. Timing belt is, but as I said, it doesn’t apply to your car. The person you spoke with at Lexus was mistaken.

I think you may need to have someone else look at your car.

Jeff

 

Piggybacking on that comment, if it is P0017, again it is likely not the chain itself but rather the cam gear, sensor, valve, or filter. There are 3 chains and the one most likely to stretch would be the primary long one and not the secondary short chains. If the main chain stretched, it would affect both banks.

Jeff

 

Thanks again Jeff.
My local garage told me the code on their computer pointed to either a stretched chain (The long one) or a sensor.
I've replaced the sensors and flushed the oil and renewed it. Also changed the timing oil controls valves.
I've done all this hoping to avoid changing the chain, as it's a BIG job to do.

*If the main chain stretched, it would affect both banks.* That worries me Jeff, as it's always bank one.
Before I commence changing the timing chains, I'll check the mixture sensor.
One thing I haven't mentioned is that the engine runs sweet. Perfect.

I'll post back with the next results.

 

First can I say the code is P0017 and not P017, sorry for the confusion.

My local garage said it's definitely the chain and that he'd seen it before. I tend to believe him as he said he didn't want the job as he's done them before and it's a nightmare to do.

I managed to find a kit for £147. Lexus don't do a kit but would supply the bits if ordered seperately. I know the kit won't be the same quality, but it'll do the job till the car dies.