I have the opportunity to buy a 2007 Lexus RX 350 with a bad #5 cylinder . I also found a 2007 Nissan Murano that is totaled from a roll over . they both have 3.5l engines and are both the same year. are these engines interchangeable ? I haven't been able to find out much online so I thought id make an account here and see if anyone has some information for me . thanks and look forward to hearing what you guys got .

 

Other than displacement, the two engines are completely different and not compatible.

 

Wow, a bad #5 cylinder, really never heard that one.....It is a Toyota motor which in all the Toyota/Lexus vehicles w/ a fwd/awd layout. Sell/trade the Murano for a engine for the rx.....& drive it, I think you'll be quite pleased.

 

thank you , exactly what I was looking for . someone to tell it to me in black and white

haven't confirmed that its a bad cylinder , but the guy selling it doesn't work on his own vehicles and had it towed to the Toyota dealership when CEL started flashing and what he told me is they stuck a camera down the intake and found the problem that way. so mabey its just a valve issue which if thats the case ill repair it but im just planning for worst case. its still at the dealership so ill talk to them when I look at it. did that engine or year have any head trouble that you know of ? thanks

 

Not that IK of, millions of 3.5's out there. If there was lots of ppl would know about it. Kinda like Honda/Acura's w/ transmission problems or Nissan's cvt problems......

 

The most common thing on these cars that will make the CEL flash is a failing ignition coil which is a far simpler and cheaper problem to fix than a dropped cylinder. If you decide to buy the RX, get a second opinion before replacing the engine.

 

will do, thanks

 

Yeah, before I'd think about an engine, I'd do a dry/wet compression test. If that shows cylinder issues (?), then you know what to look for.

If it shows only valve issues, pop off the head (tongue in cheek, not all that fun) and get a fine valve job done. Bingo, you are back in business.

Since you have the head off, you can update the VVT actuator lines and few other things for the rear head. All ready to roll

Front head much easier to service at any time

 

I would agree. i might consider getting a second opinion on whats happening. Some shops will look at it and give a second opinion for free so just check around if u decide to do that.