Engine replacement - any thoughts?
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: OR
Engine replacement - any thoughts?
We have a 2008 LS460L with 200,000 miles. It's been burning a lot of oil and smokes slightly. We have to go through smog for registration renewal. I don't expect it to pass. So it looks like we need to replace the engine. Is there anything I need to know before doing this? Anyone have experience that they'd like to share? There are a lot of engines available from salvage. They say they have so many miles on them. Is that trustworthy? Who should do the install? Is it absolutely necessary for a stealership to do the work? It would help with resale though, I get that. Thoughts?
Pole Position
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,210
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From: Tennessee
First things first. Have you been to a Lexus service department for an inspection? If not, do that first. It might not be the entire engine. Might be leaky seals. Who knows until you find out. Have you found a local reliable mechanic? Even here in Memphis, there are former Toyota/Lexus mechanics, who branch out on their own and know your car front to back. Ask around and I'm sure there's someone near.
Before you panic, have the car checked and see what is going on. Good luck.
Before you panic, have the car checked and see what is going on. Good luck.
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: IL
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Tx
I'd like to assume it may be something as "inexpensive" as an engine seal or something. Have seen these LS460s with upwards of 300k miles and don't think an engine replacement would be the first option you should consider.
I would liken an engine replacement to open heart surgery. I believe going in and replacing everything might cause new / more issues. Sure a new heart sounds great but what if the intern nicks an artery etc. I say diagnose the issue and try starting there. Find a reputable shop that specializes in Toyotas to do the job as well.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: NY
If you exhaust all your options, and MUST go down the path of replacing the engine, here's how to shop for a used engine:
1. Call "reputable" salvage shops and junk yards, and then ASK FOR THE VIN of the engine you are considering.
2. Run a Carfax on the VIN numbers of the possible engines you're considering. This way you can see at what mileage the car was "totaled" or "written off", and confirm that the mileage is legitimate. This will cost you money, but is absolutely worth it.
3. If an engine source (i.e. junk yard) will not give you a VIN number which then matches a CarFax... RUN, don't WALK away from that dealer... they are probably "sourcing" their "donor" engines in a "less-than-ethical" way.
I have done an engine swap on a Lexus GS a long time ago at a private no-name shop, and it cost just shy of $5,000. The car still runs fine, more or less.
1. Call "reputable" salvage shops and junk yards, and then ASK FOR THE VIN of the engine you are considering.
2. Run a Carfax on the VIN numbers of the possible engines you're considering. This way you can see at what mileage the car was "totaled" or "written off", and confirm that the mileage is legitimate. This will cost you money, but is absolutely worth it.
3. If an engine source (i.e. junk yard) will not give you a VIN number which then matches a CarFax... RUN, don't WALK away from that dealer... they are probably "sourcing" their "donor" engines in a "less-than-ethical" way.
I have done an engine swap on a Lexus GS a long time ago at a private no-name shop, and it cost just shy of $5,000. The car still runs fine, more or less.
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Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: New Hampshire
A couple of questions...
1. How much oil is it burning?
2. You have to go through smog testing? What's that? Most states plug into the DLC and read codes, if any.
3. Let's say you're adding a quart every thousand miles - a lot, I know - keep in mind that Lexus considers that normal, would you still replace the engine?
4. How often do you change your oil and do you use synthetic?
5. Are you using the 0w20 or 5w20
I would say this is the first we've heard of someone replacing an engine in the 460 - if that's what you do - so make sure it's necessary before you make a decision.
1. How much oil is it burning?
2. You have to go through smog testing? What's that? Most states plug into the DLC and read codes, if any.
3. Let's say you're adding a quart every thousand miles - a lot, I know - keep in mind that Lexus considers that normal, would you still replace the engine?
4. How often do you change your oil and do you use synthetic?
5. Are you using the 0w20 or 5w20
I would say this is the first we've heard of someone replacing an engine in the 460 - if that's what you do - so make sure it's necessary before you make a decision.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,302
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From: CA
Yeah, I would definitely see if it's repairable before swapping engines.
Could be a simple gasket leak or even if it's more serious, the repair or potential rebuild could be cheaper than an entire engine swap, which doesn't always go as planned or ends well, especially in a car as complicated as ours. I would exhaust all options before resorting to that.
Have the dealer or a reputable mechanic check it out. Get multiple opinions. Have them do the obvious visual checks, cylinder compression checks, etc.
Could be a simple gasket leak or even if it's more serious, the repair or potential rebuild could be cheaper than an entire engine swap, which doesn't always go as planned or ends well, especially in a car as complicated as ours. I would exhaust all options before resorting to that.
Have the dealer or a reputable mechanic check it out. Get multiple opinions. Have them do the obvious visual checks, cylinder compression checks, etc.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 61
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From: OR
Great advice. Thank you. I'm going to follow it and get tested first by our Lexus dealer. I thought it was strange that oil consumption increased so rapidly because I expected the engine to last longer. Then again, at 200,000 miles it seemed possible that we were just unlucky. Maybe it is a seal though and not rings - I'll find out.
I'm a little surprised at the concern about creating other problems by replacing the engine, however. I figured a trained dealer shop would know how to do a replacement with no problems. But I'll head that advice as well. I'm changing directions.
Thanks again.
I'm a little surprised at the concern about creating other problems by replacing the engine, however. I figured a trained dealer shop would know how to do a replacement with no problems. But I'll head that advice as well. I'm changing directions.
Thanks again.
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
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From: BC Canada
Couple of things...
First, has the recall been done for the valves? If not, do so.
Secondly, it wouldn't cost more than a g note or two to have the valve stem seals done. That is likely the cause of the smoke. Does it smoke after idling? Does it smoke upon initial start up? Heavy acceleration?
As others have stated, you need to have this looked at closer before jumping to rash decisions like an engine replacement.
First, has the recall been done for the valves? If not, do so.
Secondly, it wouldn't cost more than a g note or two to have the valve stem seals done. That is likely the cause of the smoke. Does it smoke after idling? Does it smoke upon initial start up? Heavy acceleration?
As others have stated, you need to have this looked at closer before jumping to rash decisions like an engine replacement.
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