Thing is, I got the timing chain replaced with the timing cover three years ago (the standard leaky timing cover problem for IS350s, it cost big bucks to fix). Would it go bad so soon?

 

Hi guys,

let me tell you secret about this car,
actually there is a small filter in the top of the engine and around 95% of the mechanic does not know about.
even if you change the oil with filter regularly, the engine may be damaged. the reason is this filter.

it called OCV filter.

the below picture will describe the situation and the filter is 100% blocked

 

Thanks for the tip. This has been around since VVTI was introduced. My secret for this not to happen. Is to use quality oil, and follow the recommended change interval.

 

Thanks. I got a new one put in last year due to suspicion it might be a problem, but it didn't change anything.

 

Just to clarify, there is one for each bank. We're both replaced ?

 

My mistake, got that mixed up with the PCV valve, which I got replaced last year. No, I don't know anything about the OCV filter.

The car is at the mechanics right now. I expect I'll hear back later today about whether it's repairable or a write-off.

 

The oil feeds being restricted could explain the early loss of a chain set, as I know they feed the VVT-i (a controlled oil leak lubricating the chains). The feeds also coil the valve springs. What I don't know is if they pump up the lifters.

If they do, it could explain a few things in your case.

At this point, I'd say its a given that that engine has more particulates in the oil from wear, combustion products in the oil, and being ran low/out of oil. @ameer90 has a good point, but it may be too late.

 

The engine is toast. My mechanic drained the oil and showed me the metal filings in it. It's gritty. With it not being able to turn over, and the whum-whum-whum having a shorter whum in the rhythm when you hit the start button, it's obviously a blown bearing.

You can't really complain about 300,000 km, can you? For the last two or three years it burned oil like a ****. What percentage of the 2GR-FSE engines have an oil consumption issue when they get older? We got unlucky with that with this car, but it's still a damn fine car.

I'm getting a replacement engine with 80,000 km put into it for $6,000 with tax and labour (that's Canadian loonies, convert to USD if you're American and curious). The rest of the car is in perfect shape. No rust, and I've kept it clean and looking good. A cursory look at the used market makes this a no-brainer. The best replacement I found on Autotrader was a 2006 IS350 with 230,000 km for $13,500. Otherwise they're in the high 20s for early third generation models, but if I'm honest I've never quite liked the gen3 IS as much.

I'm actually excited about this. We're getting a new engine! Can't wait!

 

I'd grab a transmission too. And potentially the two primary cats as they likely passed a good bit of oil and may not live much longer.

Good to hear its coming back. GL