kaminsky

Took my 99 rx300 with 185000 miles on it to the mechanic today because it suddenly started running poorly. It was running great, then next time I start it I smell gasoline, it's misfiring, drove for about a mile before it would go over 30 mph and absolutely would not shift into od. Mechanic gives me these codes: P1350(vvt sensor) P0171(system too lean) P0300(multiple misfires-01,05,06) P0335(crankshaft pos sensor) P0340(camshaft pos sensor). Mechanic says the engine is basically ruined and not worth fixing. I just bought this vehicle a year ago and need it to last. I stumbled onto this site and have been scouring it all day. From what I've read I'm thinking of cleaning/replacing the ocv and also the camshaft pos sensor, unplugging the vvt solenoid, and checking the timing belt. I would greatly appriciate any help that any of you might give, and I promise to post the solution if one is found.

salimshah

@186K miles, you should be about ready for 2nd Tbelt change.

My suggestion would be start at T belt as all problems seems to have timing as the common link. I would start there. Secondary would be the vvti.

If you follow my suggestion then you have to invest a bit more before calling it quits.

Salim

Baetke

I agree with Salim. Start with the T-belt check. If the timing marks all look ok, then a compression check would be next. If that comes out ok then I'd say your engine is fixable.

thomas1

The VVTi code could would be my first shot...THat would cause all of the other codes...

kaminsky

Thanks for the quick replies guys. I called the mechanic and he says he didn't even look at the tbelt, yet he was going to charge me an hour for the inspection? I'm thinking he didn't even pop the hood. Anyway, he said he's busy today but he'll try to take a look at it if he gets a chance.

salimshah

Thomas, would you get crankshaft position code, with vvti problem? That was my reason to infer a more fundamental timing problem ... skipped T belt.

Easy test would be to connect a timing gun and strobe the mark on the main pulley.

How do you connect the timing gun with coil pack? ---> edit ... with an inductive pickup type, one can find sense the onset by clamping over the input (primary) side of the coil (wires leading to the coil-pack) ... OR jury rig a short spark plug lead to connect between the coil-pack to the spark plug [you have to mount the coilpack within reach of the lead and the spark plug. Timing reading has to be adjusted for the delay of the coil pack if you read the primary side.

Salim

salimshah

That just lowered my opinion about your mechanic. What made him declare your RX is dead ... sound from the engine, metal in oil or "he was/is busy". Only if you trust him stay with him. You know, after he finds out what is wrong, he still needs to find out why it went wrong, just replacing bad parts is not it [unless it is a sensor].




Salim

kaminsky

Alright, I'm taking it elsewhere. Just drove out to get some stuff out of it and I find it sitting by the road with all the doors unlocked. Think it's safe to drive, or should I have it towed?

salimshah

Check the vitals. Oil etc and if you dont hear mechanical interference, I would say it is OK to drive short distances and keep the rpms low (not more that 2300).

Do your search of the right garage in another car.

Salim

kaminsky

Had the rx towed to a good mechanic that I know and trust today after talking to him. It'll be a week or so before he gets to it, but at least I can trust him. Showed him the codes and his first words were T-BELT. He's not sure if the engine is still good (interference) but he said he'll look at the t-belt and then check compression. I'll update when I hear back. Much thanks to Salim and the rest of y'all

thomas1

Yea, sorry missed the crankshaft sensor code. Checking the T belt would be a good start... however if the cam sensor is off maybe it would throw timing off...My neighbor had the terrible camshaft advance gear go bad...Had to replace the gear to get rid of the VVTi code....It is the gear that is controlled by OCV....

kaminsky

T-belt was ok. Compression ok. Problem was corroded valve-cover seals allowed leaked oil to accumulate shorting out 3 coils. Replaced: 3 coils (put new coils in back, moved the good old ones to front), spark plugs, valve-cover seals & gaskets, T-belt & water pump, bottom tensioner pulley & bracket, upper idler pulley, crankshaft seal & power steering pump front seal, and the other 2 belts.
Got it back last week, been running better than ever since.

JAB

Glad to hear. What did you pay for all that work?

kaminsky

$700 in parts, can't say for labor