jasone36

I normally service my high-mileage 2002 SC430 at an independent mechanic, but recently decided to go the Lexus dealer for an oil change after many years of staying away.

Basically, the service adviser stated I have an "oil leak" and a "transmission leak". My independent mechanic hasn't ever stated anything like this about the SC430.

I asked to speak with the Lexus mechanic at the dealership, and surprisingly, they took me to the bay where my car was on a lift... which probably almost never occurs.

I personally asked the mechanic whether the "oil leak" and "transmission leak" were severe, and he implied that I really shouldn't worry about it (unless I start seeing puddles under my car)... since the leaks "are not bad"... much to the surprise of the service adviser.

The mechanic also underscored that, in general, these engines are bulletproof and "some of the best Lexus made". That certainly made my day.

If I keep this car past approx 185,000 I know that I'm going to replace the water pump and corresponding belts (for the second time in this car's life)... so I figure I'll postpone this service for another 20,000 miles until I can get it done all at once...

I'm not getting any warning lights, and car drives perfectly (I've had it for nearly 5 years). Nearly all my miles are stop-and-go city miles though, very little highway travel.

This is a car with approx 165,000 miles, and 15+ years old. On the wholesale auto market, it'll probably cost no more than a similarly-aged Toyota Camry or Avalon (i.e. very little)... thus I'm trying to keep running costs to a minimum, but I do want to drive it for another 5 years.

I would like to hear your thoughts on "slight" leaks with oil pans and transmission fluid, and how urgent they may be.

Thank you

mrblister

If your trans is leaking how much ? You cant add oil yourself since the system is closed. I would find out if the trans pan is leaking. If your losing a lot of oil you really should have the leak repaired. Hard to know since you dont have a dipstick.

The engine leak ned to find out where its leaking and how much That you can check yourself . Clean up the engine with a steam cleaner so maybe you can find where the leaks are.

Bgw70

Mr. B, remember they did not remove the dipstick until they installed the six speed transmission.
I thought he said he had a 2002.

With that said, it is important to change the Trans fluid. I drain and refill mine every 10k-12k miles, yes it may be overkill but much cheaper than a rebuilt transmission.

As for the engine oil leak, the valve cover bolts like to come loose on every SC430, which will cause an oil leak.
Mine could be turned with my fingers, anyway just take a socket and if they are loose, give them all a half turn. Yes, HALF turn. Then see if the leak stops.

I was guessing because you forgot to tell us where the leak is located.
Please let us know how it goes!

mrblister

2002 to 2005 was a 5 speed . My 2005 does not have a dipstick. The 2006 started the 6 speed
I just assumed the 2002 was the same as my 2005

Bgw70

Hey Mr. B,
Thanks for setting me straight!
I guess the dipstick went away after 2004...very odd to have the same transmission in 2005 but they removed the dipstick.
Here is a pic of the dipstick, located on drivers side, next to the master cylinder.
It's brown or dark tan

Bgw70

It always amazes me when a car company Says it is not necessary to change a fluid. Everytime I change the fluid, I see plenty of metallic material on the drain plug magnet. After 100k miles this material would just continue to circulate in the transmission because the drain plug magnet would be full and the filter would also be full.

The result will eventually be a new or rebuilt transmission.