draco

Had my 160,000km service on my 2005/2006 Lexus RX330 today and the dealership advised that the rear and front rocker cover gaskets were quite bad (8 out of 10 for the front and 9 out of 10 for the rear). I know the report will also mention the to keep an eye on the "rear engine main seal". My last RX330 had a problem with the rear engine main seal which was going to cost ~$7000 to repair. That car had done 195000km's and I sold it to buy this one. How common is it for the 3MZ-FE to develop a problem with the rear main engine seal? How do I avoid it getting "worse" or is it really just a matter of time? Do these problems exist in the later RX350 2GR-FE engines (as at some point I will likely upgrade to a 3rd gen RX350 or maybe even the RX270 with the 1AR-FE 4 cylinder)?

thomas1

You know seems to me the rear main probably goes because of grit. of course they will eventually wear, but using a good synthetic oil with scheduled oil changes is insurance in my mind. My last RX300 had 189k miles with no leak. My present RX400h has 194k miles and knock on wood, so far is fine. I know on the Old RX300 sludge was a issue, and with it the proper lubrication of many engine components. This is why I have over the last 18 years used only synthetic fluid.

smassey321

I had my transmission replaced under warranty 5 years ago. The dealer recommended the rear main seal while it was apart and I paid $150 extra to get it done. Five years later, the only seal leaking on my car is the rear main seal they changed. If I had left it alone it probably would have been fine. There are no other reported issues of rear main seals leaking. Unless it is leaving drips in your garage, ignore it for now.