2ndserve1

My son was driving our Lexus ES300 with no eye on the temp level and it overheated. White Smoke, etc. After inspection, there is clearly a coolant leak as water in, water out...not gushing but still. The oil does not look in any way cloudy. I'm not a complete moron mechanically but it's not my strong suit. It won't start which has me concerned that major damage was done while the lack of coolant in the oil has me hopeful. It's not a car I want to sink big money into. I can do some basic troubleshooting or whatever if need be, but mostly at this point I'm curious as to why it doesn't start.

BULLITT1

White smoke from exhaust would indicate blown head gasket, leak from coolant passage to cylinder. does the engine crank over but not start? we need more info.

2ndserve1

It does crank over but doesn't start. I don't know if it was smoking from the exhaust or not. I didn't smell coolant at the exhaust upon inspection.

BULLITT1

my first step would be to determine how much coolant escaped the system(using a gallon jug). 2-determine why the overheat condition occurred(bad-thermostat, radiator cap, busted hoses, etc,.) 3-to check the engine condition-compression test using a compression gauge(this might require removal of intake manifold. (can start with front 3 cylinders easily)

1999 es300 repair manual
Compression pressure: (218 psi) (typically new)
Minimum pressure: (145 psi)
Difference between each cylinder: 15 psi or less

PFB