dry start fix?
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 1,004
From: NH
dry start fix?
Locally, it started getting colder and I noticed that the engine has a dry start from time to time. I checked the oil level and it is OK. The oil change is not due yet. I am using Toyota 0w20. I checked prices for Mobil 1 0w20 Extended Performance High Mileage and it is cheaper around the same price as the Toyota oil. Does anybody have experience using Mobil 1 0w20 Extended Performance High Mileage in LS460? I prefer not to use additives.
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/...mileage-0w-20/
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/...mileage-0w-20/
Does the LS have a prestart oil lube pump? I don't think it does. If not, changing oil brand isn't going to make a difference. 0w20 viscosity is supposed to be identical between brands to meet specs. All major brands meet specs. What is your symptom?
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 1,004
From: NH
The symptom is a dry start - short lusting rattle that goes away once oil pressure reaches a normal level. I personally believe, it is due wear as engine has 168k+ miles on it and Toyota 0w20 is not "sticky" enough to provide lubrication on cold start. High mileage oils usually have additives to improve adhesion of oils without altering viscosity too much.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 602
From: VA
Wrong. Damaged vvt-i actuator (not solenoid, not vvt-ie) not locking at zero during shutdowns. Produces loud rattle for 1-2 seconds esp in cold weather. But of course you won't believe me. Your funeral.
The symptom is a dry start - short lusting rattle that goes away once oil pressure reaches a normal level. I personally believe, it is due wear as engine has 168k+ miles on it and Toyota 0w20 is not "sticky" enough to provide lubrication on cold start. High mileage oils usually have additives to improve adhesion of oils without altering viscosity too much.
Dysfunctional Veteran
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,108
Likes: 323
From: Van Alstyne, TX
I would switch to a5w20 high mileage synthetic like Valvoline MaxLife Full Synthetic or equivalent, then I would look into what boykie states, about the vvt-i actuator, as that was the cause of my dry start sounds at 90k miles. Park Place Lexus replaced it because I had just purchased the car (used) earlier that week and they said it was supposed to have been done before it went up for sale, but because I bought it before it was officially for sale, they had not had a chance.
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 645
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From: FL
My '11 has been doing it since purchase as CPO in '13, 20k miles then, 72k now. Does it perhaps 1/2 the cold starts. Lexus say no problem. Never had the CEL appear and never had any other problems. I live in S. FL where cold temps are not an issue. I don't like it but live with it.
Last edited by jud149; Sep 30, 2021 at 05:45 AM.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2018
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