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Hoping someone can give me some advice
I'm looking to purchase a 2003 Lexus RX300 with 150k miles on the clock
It's a reputable online car sales business and they do a roadworthy check and list and issues.
It looks in real good condition overall. It drives well. No smoke from the exhaust at all.
However there is one thing I am concerned with in the pic below.
It seems there is a bit of sludge on the inside of the oil cap.
It does not have a milky colour though.
Is this ok or should I be concerned the head gasket is on the way out?
I will add that when they bought the car, the oil level was very low.
That is not sludge. It is crusted oil vapors. To determine if there is sludge, you will have to remove valve covers and examine if tar like substance has pooled up there. You can also check the oil pan too.
I was worried the head gasket might be on its way out.
It has 150k miles on the clock.
Apparently the engine starts first time and purrs.
Would your opinion be that looking at the oil cap deposits that the head gasket is ok?
If the previous owner did an oil change, how long would it take for the oil to go milky if the
head gasket was damaged?
Thanks for your help!
Why the narrow concern about head gasket and oil-coolant mixing? Did the engine overheat? Are you observing bubbles through the radiator cap? Is the dipstick showing milkshake like substance instead of oil.
Why the narrow concern about head gasket and oil-coolant mixing? Did the engine overheat? Are you observing bubbles through the radiator cap? Is the dipstick showing milkshake like substance instead of oil.
Salim
My only reason would be the sludgy substance on the oil cap..
I can't say if the engine overheated.
There is no oil in the coolant.. However the coolant looks pretty new so could have been changed recently.
There is a slight bit of water coming out of the exhaust but I think that's pretty normal condensation.
No bubbles in coolant. No smoke from exhaust. The dipstick is clean but could also have been wiped clean...
Any thing else I should look out for?
My only reason would be the sludgy substance on the oil cap..
I can't say if the engine overheated.
There is no oil in the coolant.. However the coolant looks pretty new so could have been changed recently.
There is a slight bit of water coming out of the exhaust but I think that's pretty normal condensation.
No bubbles in coolant. No smoke from exhaust. The dipstick is clean but could also have been wiped clean...
Any thing else I should look out for?
Oil cap --> already answered
Any thing else --> Have a mechanic check the vehicle out. Suspension, compression, transmission
History --> check the records or ask the seller .. why was the coolant changed, timing belt, water pump.
Upcoming maintenance items: Tires (age/wear), timing belt, valve cover gasket, driveshaft boots, battery, brake fluid, steering fluid, interior leather
Oil cap --> already answered
Any thing else --> Have a mechanic check the vehicle out. Suspension, compression, transmission
History --> check the records or ask the seller .. why was the coolant changed, timing belt, water pump.
Upcoming maintenance items: Tires (age/wear), timing belt, valve cover gasket, driveshaft boots, battery, brake fluid, steering fluid, interior leather
Salim
Yes I think that is the best idea to have a mechanic check the car out.
Nothing to do w/ a H/G or coolant in the oil......Pulling that front v/c off you'll show you a good posibly of a plugged pcv & possbly the PO didn't change the oil soon enough........
03-11-22, 09:11 AM
Used Purchase advice
