The complaint history doesn't back up your claims so...agree to disagree. We're drinking the kool-aid and you're a bitter former owner who in all likelihood sold his GX right before it was poised to give you many worry free years of service.

 

Thanks to him, everybody (will) save lots of repair costs that is really a minor issue if you think about it. The secondary air pump issue could be prevented by avoiding those engine cleaning routines. The water pump leaks, signs of repeated excessive idling such as Getting stuck in LA traffic. You could prevent that by changing coolant more often in my experience/s.

 

Engine cleaning is not the resulting problem. It is covered up by the plastic shield and probably more vulnerable to rain and car washes through the grille. Does changing the coolant really extend the life of the water pump?

 

[QUOTE=tecman;9447146]Engine cleaning is not the resulting problem. It is covered up by the plastic shield and probably more vulnerable to rain and car washes through the grille. Does changing the coolant really extend the life


Cleaning the engine with degreaser then flushed with water could introduce wetness to the foam inside the device, causing it to become soggy, and will eventually get sucked into the tubes and fan.

As for the coolant, don't take my word for it. If you do a lot of idling, off-roading, or towing, replacing critical engine fluids such as coolants, differential oils, transmission oil, etc. will prevent premature wear and leaks due to heat and corrosion. At 50k miles interval, I replace all my fluids and all of my previous Lexus and Toyota trucks were good as new at 150k+ miles.

 

I will give you possible, but not probable with engine wash

The original filter cap does not allow water to be taken in.

 

Why do you even wash the "engine" without removing the covers. Hmm. Each time I or somebody else wash my engine compartment, the process of rinsing the degreaser sprayed on with water hose, is with the engine on - to make sure the engine dry fast and
If I am not careful with the water spray, I could get water sucked in to that foam filter. JMHO.

 

While it isn't likely, this person did appear to have a significant amount of moisture inside their pump: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...-pictures.html

How the pump got that way I can't tell you....

 

I was HIGHLY disappointed with my GX when the secondary air valves malfunctioned. I fixed them myself and now have a good understanding of how the system works and how to quickly repair it if it ever goes bad again. After one year of ownership, I completely love my GX. I also like that there is not one on every corner--it's usually the only one of its kind in the lot.

 

I actually have a 2011 GX460 and bought it brand new in 2011. I had all service done by Lexus and never went to anybody else for any work. I'm sitting at 80k and have not had any problems. This was my 4th Lexus and also have a fifth. The good thing with Lexus is according to my experience is that i've never had any major problems and i've went up to 120k-150k without many repairs needed to be done.

 

I was disappointed to see that it's even an issue. And my truck had it before I bought it. But that seems to be the only big issue these trucks have.

However, I see a ton of these everywhere, usually driven by well-to-do thin middle aged women Probably because I live in the burbs... but they are everywhere. Hell, I even saw a Prado last week on a trip to Florence.

 

Trace it back to where fluid/water would get sucked-in and voila!