coolant problem
Driver
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 190
Likes: 2
From: TX
Nothing to worry about - I think it's normal. I noticed a slight pink crusty buildup on the expansion tank, exactly as you have, on my '08 IS250 the entire time I owned it. In spite of the crust, I never noticed a drop in coolant level in the tank over 5 years.
Monitor your coolant level. In the morning when the engine is cold, I shine a flashlight onto the top of the reservoir. The whole thing lights up and its easy to read the level. Ambient temperatures can affect the reading (coolant shrinks and expands), so winter and summer readings can be different.... This fluctuation is why there is such a large gap between MIN and MAX. If you are steadily loosing coolant, or if you notice this pink crusty buildup ANYWHERE else (water pump, around hoses -- not attributed to the coolant cap) then it should definitely go into the shop.
Monitor your coolant level. In the morning when the engine is cold, I shine a flashlight onto the top of the reservoir. The whole thing lights up and its easy to read the level. Ambient temperatures can affect the reading (coolant shrinks and expands), so winter and summer readings can be different.... This fluctuation is why there is such a large gap between MIN and MAX. If you are steadily loosing coolant, or if you notice this pink crusty buildup ANYWHERE else (water pump, around hoses -- not attributed to the coolant cap) then it should definitely go into the shop.
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 13,441
Likes: 1,081
From: Under an IS F since 2008
I hate to say this is not normal... It is a design FLAW that hasn't been addressed since 2006...
Some cars have it.. Some don't..
I redid my cap seal to prevent this on my 2008 IS350.. I also redesigned the overflow hose to drain to the bottom of the fan shroud.. Not the top like OEM
I would bring it in to have them get you a better cap & seal on the coolant bottle.
~ Joe Z
Some cars have it.. Some don't..
I redid my cap seal to prevent this on my 2008 IS350.. I also redesigned the overflow hose to drain to the bottom of the fan shroud.. Not the top like OEM
I would bring it in to have them get you a better cap & seal on the coolant bottle.
~ Joe Z
Driver
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: California
Hey guys, I just want to confirm with more owners that if this situation is totally normal and expected to happen from Lexus? I got all worried when I open my hood which I don't do often and found out that the exact situation is happening on my IS350. If this happens in all the 3rd generation IS then I don't know what Lexus is thinking......
Also I'm just wondering are there aftermarket or oem parts to cover the engine like the previous generation IS have?
Also I'm just wondering are there aftermarket or oem parts to cover the engine like the previous generation IS have?
Trending Topics
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 510
Likes: 50
From: MD
This happened to me as well. I thought it was normal, yet I do drive the car like I stole it. I normally drive fast, yet I didnt notice the level being low. More so, the pink crust. I'll make an apt and take it in.
As well, I have an intake and axle-back.....Do you think the deal will pin the fault on the mods?
As well, I have an intake and axle-back.....Do you think the deal will pin the fault on the mods?
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
Driver
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: California
So is the coolant leaking and forming crust like this around the cap suppose to be okay for Lexus? If it's nothing unusual I don't want to take it in for the dealer to check. Seems like every 3rd generation IS should be in this situation since it's manufactured this way?
Driver
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 190
Likes: 2
From: TX
They are all the same. It's not a sealed cap - I don't think there's even a gasket under the cap, and the neck on the tank looks like the top of a milk jug. It wasn't designed in such a way as to seal well. My old 2IS and my 3IS both do this.
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 13,441
Likes: 1,081
From: Under an IS F since 2008
Not Normal.....
I hate to say this is not normal... It is a design FLAW that hasn't been addressed since 2006...
Some cars have it.. Some don't..
I redid my cap seal to prevent this on my 2008 IS350.. I also redesigned the overflow hose to drain to the bottom of the fan shroud.. Not the top like OEM
I would bring it in to have them get you a better cap & seal on the coolant bottle.
~ Joe Z
Some cars have it.. Some don't..
I redid my cap seal to prevent this on my 2008 IS350.. I also redesigned the overflow hose to drain to the bottom of the fan shroud.. Not the top like OEM
I would bring it in to have them get you a better cap & seal on the coolant bottle.
~ Joe Z
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 606
Likes: 2
From: VA
http://jalopnik.com/never-speed-in-v...-in-1613604053