SteveH

Sounds like the leak the dealer just described to me on my 99 RX, they said its the rear seal and have to pull the engine to fix it $1200. the good news they said its just starting

Keksters

which oil is recommeded for the 1999- synthetic or reg?

Tammy

Your owners manual recommends natural oil ... 5W-30 API Service SJ or better

Lexmex

I agree with Tammy on the 5W30. You really do not want to go any bit higher than a W30 in the RX300, but I know of a few exceptions as in my case and if I see any others in this forum over time I will chime in.

I think TunedRX300s idea to run a W20 fluid is excellent. The W20 can get into places other weight fluids cannot get into.

I actually plan to run one 5W30 Mobil 1 Extended Life bottle along with my 0W40 Mobil 1 the next time I do an oil change (in addition to my other additives) to see if there is any difference.

TunedRX300

Kind of OT but my User Manual calls for SAE 5w30, no specific mention of dino or synthetic oil.
Lexus recommend 5w20 for newer model for CAFE. It is up to the owner of older model (even with same engine) to use 5w20, I prefer it because 1) thinner oil flows better before it protect engine better before operating temperature 2) cools the engine better at operating temperature, helps 1mzfe especially.

Lexmex

TunedRX300,

I think you mentioned, too, that the 5W20 works even with better with our oil pumps.

I plan to do my oil change on Saturday (we have a super bracket competition on Sunday), and I plan to show the infamous oil filter change from the top courtesy the K&N filter, but will have to remind my uncle we have to do it that way. Will actually use two bottles of the 5W30 extended drain and two 0W40 bottles, both Mobil 1, along with a Liqui Moly friction additive, Restore Oil additive and Oil Extreme.