Took my 2001 GS430 to a local mechanic, who specializes in Lexus, because the "check engine" light was on. I had just spent $1,200 there on my 120,000 mile maintenance three weeks earlier.

He told me I had two leaks in EVAP parts (some type of canisters), which would costs over $1,000 to repair. He said these often go on the Lexus autos as they get older. He also said he discovered a radiator leak and would have to replace this at a cost of another $700.

I am doubtful! It seems unlikely my car can spring 3 independent leaks in a three week period. Am I missing something here?

Also, when I left the shop my engine light was off and I passed a smog check. In addition, I checked my garage floor when I got home and no evidence of a radiator leak. The next morning I had some radiator fluid spots. Put in some leak stop fluid and topped off, and no more evidence of a radiator leak.

I am no mechanic, but logic tells me this was a rip-off. Thanks to anyone with real knowledge to either confirm my guess or tell me that I am off.

 

Only way to truly know is to get a second opinion

 

No mechanic True Indeed..

his prices are going rates at most places that have high overhead. If you want cheap take it to a spot in the wall mechanic that knows what he or she is doing.

engine code going off DOES NOT MEAN problem fixed for Evap system..SEARCH to find out why.

Rad leaks will show at diff temps and pressures. your little bottle of stop-a- leak should only be used until the faulty part is replaced. I never **** around with overheats..IMHO

 

its always free to get another opinion.. if you think the mechanic is not fair with his pricing.

 

canister cost is over 700 bucks, so 1g for a canister installed isnt a bad price at all considering its not extreemly easy job. Good luck with your stop leak you can create more problems then you can fix, and do you really think your mechanic made your radiator leak? He probably cleared the check engine and thats why you dont see it, but it will come back.

 

pull canister off, clean solenoid/valve reinstall... free Most to all of the time when the charcoal canister goes out, its just the dirty *** OLD solenoid getting stuck. With a little cleaning it will be back in working order.

and as all have said, ANY type of stop leak is VERY stupid! Just think about it, once it 'stop leak' where does the rest of it go? sticks to whatever it wants. Radiator shops should be able to repair most damage done to radiators, you should get one to check it out and quote you.

I dont think the mechanic is being shady, hes just being like the dealer and telling you how it is and telling you how you're SUPPOSE to fix it, which is with brand new OEM parts. If you go to some mom and pop shop, they will give you the option of oem parts at your discretion then tell you how to do it cheaper. For the most part the shop is making money on labor and not much if any on parts. You went with what looks to be a reputable shop giving you the right way to fix it, may cost a bunch, but you're getting what you pay for.

 

OMG...I know you don't want to hear this but if you were getting a PO446 which indicates an evap. malfunction it could have been a simple vacuum line that had a crack in it or a gas cap that went bad (seals). I had this code pop up on my car about 6 mos ago and sure as anything one of the hoses that were old slid off by the PCV valve. So, I wound up replacing that hose and a couple of others. Fast forward to one week ago and the code pops up out of no where again...everything (vacuum hoses) seems to be in place and in order and I am thinking...damn it's the charcoal canister and valve. However, after very close inspection one of my older hoses not previously replaced had developed a slight hairline crack in it that went all the way through; it was only maybe 1/4" long but that was the culprit. Replaced the hose, put new clamps on it, re-set the ECU and it's all good.

***FYI, rule of thumb is if you THINK you fixed a check engine light and re-set the ECU, if there is STILL an underlying problem the CEL will pop up again within the next 24-72 hours under normal driving.***

GL!

 

Second opinion for sure!

 

I'm sure a real lexus mechanic smoked tested the evap system before coming up with a "bad canister" also theres no aftermarket/cheaper canister repairs you can only get one from a dealer.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. If the check engine light comes back on I will certainly go to another repair shop for a competing quote. I understand the arguments that these repair issues are typical, but I still don't trust this particular mechanic.