Hi guys I have a 1999 lexus rx 300front wheel drive with original motor with 226 miles. ive been noticing its starting to burn oil and the either the rear main seal is going out or something else as far as a seal on back side of engine near transmission. also it leaks coolant, I cant tell if its head gaskets for sure but there is moisture build up on the heads. filling reservoir works for few days and it leaks out below to add mark. I found a kit online for $600 that has all new seals for it and new pistons and wondered if anyone else has rebuilt there engine and how were the results from it. im a little worried seeing its going to be a in depth rebuild as far as seals. I have the Chilton repair book handy. ive rebuilt 350 blocks ground up but there are a lot of emission wires and such there im sure ill hook up wrong or mess up. kit comes with new skirts, pistons assembly and cam seals. if anyone could point me in good direction as to the best kit to buy and pointers that would be great. trans when it is cold now doesn't want to shift out of 2nd gear like you hop in when it below 50 degrees and once its warmed up mile or two down the road it will shift. would that be the valve bodies? I did a trans filter change not to long ago hoping it would fix it but no luck.
thanks , craig.

 

First I would suggest that you should get hold of Lexus service manual.

It is very likely that you will have to get into re-boring the cylinders etc. That may require different rings and or pistons. So you should weigh the option of a re-conditioned engine vs servicing yours. I would not be in a haste to get any kit till you can confirm that it is the right one for you.

RX locks out the higher gear to help engine warmup quicker. So I am not sure if your transmission is really messed up or not. But after that many miles, maybe you should service the transmission too.

I hate to suggest graveyard for vehicles, but you need to seriously consider how much money/effort you want to spend and what will be the worth of the vehicle at the end. If it is going to be a project car then all the power be with you.


Saliim

 

You may be able to find more sources for information and even better prices for parts if you look for Toyota 3.0l V6. You should also have more options if you decide to go the junk yard route.

 

Note the coolant leak is probably the INtake manifold. That is where mine was leaking and it left crust on top of the engine block and toward the firewall. The intake manifold gasket was leaking which has coolant running though it. Good luck with the rebuild, That is probably the cheapest method to getting what you want.

 

I helped neighbor rebuild a highlander engine, (same engine) and it went well, Have to be very careful to detail, but all said and done worked great. He replaced Oil pump, piston rings, all gaskets, water pump and idlers, and all seals. If you have not done this job, it is not for faint of heart. Get a good manual, and make sure you have all necessary tools including a good torque wrench. Mating the transmission is the worst part.....