Trying to be more safe than sorry, just bought a 2002 Rx300 w/ 45K. I have the Lexus service records, but it doesn't show any service before 30K. So, I'm not sure if the oil was changed regularly. Anyone know a detergent / treatment for removing sludge if it exists?

Thanks.

 

Welcome to Club Lexus.

First, switch to synthetic when you get a chance. I use a Mobil 1 blend of 5W50/0W40 (I have 96K), but for where you are at and given your mileage a 5W30 will work just fine. There are other brands out there such as Amsoil, Castrol, Redline, Royal Purple that also make great synthetics.

Second, your Lexus dealer or independent Lexus mechanic can look underneath and see if their is sludge located in the engine compartment if you are seriously worried.

Second, as far as additives for the oil, the best thing on the market I have seen and used was Auto RX, http://www.auto-rx.com/

Third, a few times a year I like to use an Engine Flush, my favorite is the one from Liqui Moly. If you cannot find this in the stores try, http://www.interautopartssd.com/liquimoly.php

You might want to check out the following site, http://www.bobistheoilguy.com and search in their forums about the above product.

 

I was planning to go synthetic ASAP. Maybe I'll take off a valve cover or the oil pan to see what's going on in there.

Thanks for links. Can I get Auto-RX in an autoparts store?

 

I live in Mexico so I have to order it from the States, but the few times I go up to San Antonio I have been unsuccesful in finding it anywhere. I think you can only order it online.

Let me know if you need any other assistance with the sludge issue.

 

Well, I did some investigating of the oil system. The oil cap shows no sludge, so I decided to drop the oil pan. The oil that drained looked good (only 600 miles on it), but I couldn't get the pan to come off. The gasket material was holding on for dear life! Instead of risking a several day job and really upsetting the wife, I decided to fish around in the pan via the drain hole. Using several tools (tiny brushes, wires, bend soda straws, etc.) I tried to collect some sludge from the bottom of the pan. Nada, zip, zero. Also, the pan sounded very hollow when I rapped on it, suggesting no buildup of any significance.

If there is any sludge, it must not be too major. I'll try an engine treatment at the next oil change and see comes out.

 

It's also possible that the car was maintained by the owner with the exception of "major" service intervals.

I've turned in copies of my paper records with the car when I traded it in, but the dealer probably threw them away right after I left.

 

That's what I'm thinking. The major service was done at 30K at the dealer. Didn't Lexus include oil service on these vehicle for the first 36K or so?

 

No. Only the first one at 5K is free. From time to time you hear about someone negotiating routine maintenance into a lease, but that's not very common with Lexus.

 

Also some Lexus owners do their routine oil change at Toyota. Only visit Lexus for major service. (such as yours truly.)

 

Gosh, I wish I had a Lexus dealer down here, but your comment is so true.

 

Service records mean squat when you are selling to a dealer (trading in.) All they care about is overall condition of the vehicle. Where it comes in handy is when you sell to an individual.