The only thing in the dipstick is some burnt looking mark, but the oil feels really normal and clean. The RX is in at the dealer today, they are fixing the tranny issues (sensor) OD.

 

I know your not supposed to do this,but I put in some sea foam my last oil change,and my cap and baffle went from looking like yours,to nice and clean.So it did some good in their.(so far anyway)Just hope it doesnt clog up the filter,with gunk from the cleaning.

 

Sea foam works wonder, I have used it in all my cars.

The car is still at Lexus. They said it's both knock sensors (for the Tranny issue) and the last owner replace the timing belt at a non-lexus dealer (it has a sticker) and is out of timing. They will have ready by Thursday or Friday. It sucks but at least the said they will check for sludge and let me know. If there's anything wrong with it, I will step back and get something different.

 

I changed my oil today. I took some similar shots that you did so you can compare. I did not wipe anything to make it look cleaner.

FYI. I change my oil anywhere btw 3000-3500 miles with Castrol Synthetic Blend.
110,000 miles on the ODO, had since new.

Again to get an idea if sludge is present you have to take out one of the valve covers and see if there is any build up.

 

Thats how mine looks now :>

 

For reference, this was when I removed my cover the last time.

 

thats how it should look!

 

That burnt mark could be vanish. I noticed the same mark before my Auto-RX treatment, it was gone after the treatment.
Again, oil is well circulated in the pan, one has to wonder why any oil will stick to a metal surface.

 

Well, the car is at Lexus right now. They will replace two knock sensors and the timing belt. I'll check the internals when I get it back. I couldn't find the little socket/tool for the really small bolts/studs...

 

thanks for posting this...i was gonna start a thread because i bought my rx300 and when i changed my oil i was like WTF!!!.. ill read it later when i get off of work.

 

Unfortunately, there's plenty more regarding the sludge issue. I say unfortunately because it's a shame that we are prone to having these issues, however, many knowledgeable people here will help.

 

Please post pictures if you have them. Also let us know the vehicle oil change history.

 

i bought my 99 RX300 with 101K miles. It looks very similiar to what the original poster had. I will try to take pics when i get a chance.

 

When you guys change your oil,I have to pour my new oil in the engine real slow,or it overflows,and comes back out.Do any of you experience this? It seems to be the baffle(the plate that keeps you from seeing inside the engine)that is the culprit.I would appreciate any responses re; this thanx.

 

Yep, normal. The baffle forces you to pour slowly. Wait until you try to add trany fluid.