JoeGree

Hello everyone have been on here reading and learning about Lexus. Just bought my first one 1999 Rx with 114,000 miles live the car but have only been able to drive out once so far because it will not start. I have spark, and fuel l. 160# of compression have tested crank, cam and fuel pump. I suspect ECU or timing belt anyone have any suggestions.

salimshah

Is your CEL working ... test when you move the ignition from ACC-Run. Are there any codes?

Please confirm presence of spark on the easy side 2,4,6. With 3 firing, the engine will at least stumble.

Fuel is pretty complex in the modern engines as it is metered. You may like to try starter fluid. Be careful and if needed call/take ito a mechanic.

Lastly, timing. Codes may give a clue, but you may have to examine your timing belt and confirm actual timing.

Call the previous owner and see if (s)he is willing to share any history.

Recheck your current assertions.

Salim

JoeGree

Thank you for the response I have tried starting fluid but still no go. I also have disconnected the battery before I tried reading codes so as of now no codes flashing. Previous owner has never had a problem before, evidently.

JoeGree

ohh as far as spark 2,4,6 all have good strong spark.
Timing belt inspection is my next step I guess.

Htony

If you suspect timing belt don't crank. Bought it privately? If fuel coming up from tank?

JoeGree

I have fuel to the banjo bolt at the intake not exactly sure what the pressure should be though. Also plugs are wet after cranking a few times. I was told this engine for the most part is non conflict hopefully this is true. The car just died one cold morning after start up at idle. Otherwise did run like a top.

salimshah

Some of the timing information pops up a CEL code .. that is why I asked about it.

We have discussed the interference/non-interference a number of times. VVT-i can advance valve timing, but most of the time {specially at low rpm} the valves would clear the piston top. So exercise care.

Usually injection based engines do not flood, but you can get too much fuel vs Oxygen in the chambers. Take the plugs out and crank away.

If you access to a code reader, just check it out.

Salim

JoeGree

I will try the code reader again and see if anything comes up.

JoeGree

Well I pulled the timing belt cover this morning and appears the engine is out of time. The belt seems to be in good shape with no signs of damage. Just not sure what would cause the engine to be out of time without having belt damage it doesn't seem to be too loose. Any input out there

salimshah

I would replace the belt and the tensioner at minimum. Check the idler and tensioner-roller.

Worrysome part is that the RX ran and idled fine for you.

Salim

JoeGree

Yes I am worried about why it started and ran that cold morning. But died at idle. I am going to change the parts I will keep everyone posted.

salimshah

When you opened the covers, did it seem some one recently worked on the timing?
Was one cam off or both and was it equal if both. It is difficult to visualize the cam markings on the one near the firewall.
Does the old belt still have timing install markers ... if the markers are fresh (belt has not rolled many miles over the idlers) then some one botched a belt change.
There are other things that point out that a novice has worked on the car ... not setting the tension reliefs, hose clamps set at different point etc.


Salim
[PS .. not long ago a member reported the belt had an extra tooth]

JoeGree

It does not appear any one has worked on it recently. It appears that only one cam is off the 1,3,5 bank but I do need to confirm I am aligning everything the right way. Witness marks line up on 2,4,6 and crank marks.

JoeGree

Well it's been awhile since I've posted. Finally have my RX back up and running ended up being the timing belt.

2KHarrier

Wow. Glad to hear you were able to get it fixed without too much trouble. Where abouts are you in Wisconsin?