Pictures of my IS-F's Engine
09-13-11, 07:19 PM
#61
From the web site, Gas / Diesel Sampling Procedures:
Run the engine before you take the sample to get the oil at operating temperature (driving about 20 minutes should do it). Getting the oil up to operating temperature should help cook out any normal moisture or fuel build-up.
If you're taking your sample while changing the oil, let some oil drain before you fill up the bottle. Try not to get either the first or the last oil out of the pan.
If you can't access the pan and need to use a pump, thread the tube down the dipstick and pump a sample up into the sampling bottle.
We need 3 oz to complete all our tests. But even if you only have 1 oz, we can still do at least two, if not three, of our tests. If you have questions about whether we'll be able to work with your sample, call us.
Run the engine before you take the sample to get the oil at operating temperature (driving about 20 minutes should do it). Getting the oil up to operating temperature should help cook out any normal moisture or fuel build-up.
If you're taking your sample while changing the oil, let some oil drain before you fill up the bottle. Try not to get either the first or the last oil out of the pan.
If you can't access the pan and need to use a pump, thread the tube down the dipstick and pump a sample up into the sampling bottle.
We need 3 oz to complete all our tests. But even if you only have 1 oz, we can still do at least two, if not three, of our tests. If you have questions about whether we'll be able to work with your sample, call us.
Well Lobux, I am taking a play from your book and sending an oil sample as soon as Blackstone Labs sends me the kits I ordered. I have never used their services in the past, however, if there is excessive contamination in the oil I think the problem can be pinpointed by the type of metals discovered (i.e. our cars use titanium valves and other area specific metals).
Where is the best place to take to oil sample from? oil filter housing, or simply the oil pan? input here would be appreciated...
Where is the best place to take to oil sample from? oil filter housing, or simply the oil pan? input here would be appreciated...
09-13-11, 09:09 PM
#62
Tech Info Resource
iTrader: (2)
I do a mid-stream sample from the filter at the mid-point and the pan at the change point.
I haven't done the filter change for the last two changes, and apparently the engine doesn't need a filter change at 6k - Blackstone's analysis shows the filter is still performing well at my 12k OCI.
I haven't done the filter change for the last two changes, and apparently the engine doesn't need a filter change at 6k - Blackstone's analysis shows the filter is still performing well at my 12k OCI.
09-14-11, 09:09 AM
#63
Knocking on wood, 08' vin 1324. No issues. No waterpump leakage either.
I really hope they figure this out for you and everyone else its happening to.
I can see it being a weird high pressure fuel issue some how on the ISF. Somehow being noisy/vibrations to the point of setting off the knock sensors maybe.
~Dv8
I really hope they figure this out for you and everyone else its happening to.
I can see it being a weird high pressure fuel issue some how on the ISF. Somehow being noisy/vibrations to the point of setting off the knock sensors maybe.
~Dv8
. Feels good to be back in my car again!
09-16-11, 10:02 PM
#66
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
These are some notes from my service report. I am extremely grateful that Lexus of Northborough has looked into this matter. This is service that goes above and beyond and really makes me want to get another Lexus (F car of course). There are good dealerships... and VERY good dealerships. Lexus of Northborough is one of those VERY good dealerships. Their assistance throughout the whole time has been like white glove service. Dealerships that have excellent service departments like this one is what gives Lexus it's true name. I know long ago they used to use the slogan "The relentless pursuit of perfection". Lexus of Northborough has truly lived up to it's mission statement.
I've had this lingering issue for quite some time now. If you count the time I've been out of my ISF it would be several months between dealerships. I kept bringing it back to Lexus in Warwick, RI and I get the same old answer. They acknowledge hearing things, but they say they can't pinpoint it..... so it's normal, the car drives. I'm sure most of us didn't buy an ISF to just drive like any car. We expect it to perform like it was designed to (within reason of course). Getting the same response for different issues and coming out with no resolution was actually turning me off from the Lexus brand. I'm glad that Lexus of Northborough actually did something. From the very start, the service advisor told me they would take a close look at the matter; they have lived up to their promise.
I got the phone call today saying my car was ready. The service manager actually called me and asked if I wanted the car hand washed. I have obsidian paint so I'm always a little nervous that tiny pebbles will scratch the paint. He said don't worry, he'll make sure they use new cleaning materials to wash the car. I agreed. When I got there with my loaner Lexus RX350, they pulled my car around and it looked immaculate. Typically if I see the dealer do washes (hand washes.. I never do machine), the car still is dirty in little areas. It looked as if my car just walked off the showroom floor. The service manager, service advisor and engineer were all there to make sure I walked away happy. This was definitely 5 star service. I've never had a visit to any dealership make me feel like a million bucks when I walked out. Excuse my ranting on with this but I'm still amazed at the staff and what was done to fix the issue.
You've all seen the photographs that I've taken of the engine and you've seen how far they've gone to find the root cause of the issue. I drove it this evening and I have not heard any tapping sounds. It feels good to know that my car is fixed and someone listened and did something about it. Of course it felt so different than the RX350 that I've been driving. That car was great too but in a different way.
Well this is the information that you've been waiting for. Hope any of you who also have the same issue I've been having get your issues resolved. Salil, another member of this board, has helped me out tremendously as well. He too had the issue with his engine and was without his car for months like me.
Thanks again Lexus of Northborough for your hard work on figuring out the root cause and going above and beyond to fix my vehicle.
Notes from service report below
---------------------------------------
ISSUE: CUSTOMER STATES INSPECT CONCERN OF FLAT SPOT ON ACCELERATION AT 3800 TO 4500 RPMS INTERMITTENTLY.
Their notes: TEST DROVE VEHICLE PER ABOVE CONCERN. TEST DROVE VEHICLE WITH TECHSTREAM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL TO TAKE 13 SNAPSHOTS OF VEHICLE ACCELERATION IN DIFFERENT GEARS AND SPEED RANGES PER FIELD TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS AND FIELD TECHNICAL ENGINEERS. UPLOADED SAVED DATA/SNAPSHOTS TO LEXUS TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT FOR EVALUATION. REFERENCE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CASE #111680064
-------------------
ISSUE: CUSTOMER STATES INSPECT TICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE WHEN COLD
CAUSE: WORN VALVE GUIDES
FOUND CYLINDER HEADS TO HAVE WORN VALVE GUIDES. OPENED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CASE #111680064. UPLOADED TECHNICAL DATA TAKEN WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PER TECHNICAL STAFF. REMOVED ENGINE ASSEMBLY FROM VEHICLE AND REMOVED CYLINDER HEADS. DURING INSPECTION NOTICED VERTICAL WEAR MARKS AND CYLINDER BORE CROSS HATCH EXCESSIVELY WORN. SEE T.A.S. CASE #112380034. FIELD TECHNICAL SPECIALIST INSPECTED CYLINDER HEADS, VALVE TRAIN, CYLINDER BLOCK AND ADVISED TO REPLACE FOLLOWING ITEMS. REPLACED: CYLINDER HEADS (BOTH SIDES), ALL INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVES, RETAINERS, KEEPERS, ROCKER ARMS AND PIVOTS, CAMSHAFTS (ALL), CAM GEARS FOR INTAKE AND EXHAUST, ALL VALVE SPRINGS, WASHER SHIMS FOR VALVE SPRINGS, ADJUSTED AND REPLACED 16 VALVE SHIMS, REPLACED ALL FOUR TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS, REPLACED PCV VALVE, OIL PUMP (MAIN, W/FRONT COVER) & SCAVENGE OIL PUMP, REPLACED ALL ENGINE SEALS AND GASKETS, REPLACED SHORT BLOCK ASSEMBLY WITH NECESSARY UPDATED OIL VENT TUBE. RE-INSTALLED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY INTO VEHICLE, INSTALLED SUPER LONG LIFE ANTI-FREEZE/COOLANT, INSTALLED NEW OIL AND FILTER, EVACUATE AND RE-CHARGE A/C SYSTEM WITH NEW A/C O-RINGS. TEST DROVE VEHICLE TO CONFIRM REPAIR.
I've had this lingering issue for quite some time now. If you count the time I've been out of my ISF it would be several months between dealerships. I kept bringing it back to Lexus in Warwick, RI and I get the same old answer. They acknowledge hearing things, but they say they can't pinpoint it..... so it's normal, the car drives. I'm sure most of us didn't buy an ISF to just drive like any car. We expect it to perform like it was designed to (within reason of course). Getting the same response for different issues and coming out with no resolution was actually turning me off from the Lexus brand. I'm glad that Lexus of Northborough actually did something. From the very start, the service advisor told me they would take a close look at the matter; they have lived up to their promise.
I got the phone call today saying my car was ready. The service manager actually called me and asked if I wanted the car hand washed. I have obsidian paint so I'm always a little nervous that tiny pebbles will scratch the paint. He said don't worry, he'll make sure they use new cleaning materials to wash the car. I agreed. When I got there with my loaner Lexus RX350, they pulled my car around and it looked immaculate. Typically if I see the dealer do washes (hand washes.. I never do machine), the car still is dirty in little areas. It looked as if my car just walked off the showroom floor. The service manager, service advisor and engineer were all there to make sure I walked away happy. This was definitely 5 star service. I've never had a visit to any dealership make me feel like a million bucks when I walked out. Excuse my ranting on with this but I'm still amazed at the staff and what was done to fix the issue.
You've all seen the photographs that I've taken of the engine and you've seen how far they've gone to find the root cause of the issue. I drove it this evening and I have not heard any tapping sounds. It feels good to know that my car is fixed and someone listened and did something about it. Of course it felt so different than the RX350 that I've been driving. That car was great too but in a different way.
Well this is the information that you've been waiting for. Hope any of you who also have the same issue I've been having get your issues resolved. Salil, another member of this board, has helped me out tremendously as well. He too had the issue with his engine and was without his car for months like me.
Thanks again Lexus of Northborough for your hard work on figuring out the root cause and going above and beyond to fix my vehicle.
Notes from service report below
---------------------------------------
ISSUE: CUSTOMER STATES INSPECT CONCERN OF FLAT SPOT ON ACCELERATION AT 3800 TO 4500 RPMS INTERMITTENTLY.
Their notes: TEST DROVE VEHICLE PER ABOVE CONCERN. TEST DROVE VEHICLE WITH TECHSTREAM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL TO TAKE 13 SNAPSHOTS OF VEHICLE ACCELERATION IN DIFFERENT GEARS AND SPEED RANGES PER FIELD TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS AND FIELD TECHNICAL ENGINEERS. UPLOADED SAVED DATA/SNAPSHOTS TO LEXUS TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT FOR EVALUATION. REFERENCE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CASE #111680064
-------------------
ISSUE: CUSTOMER STATES INSPECT TICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE WHEN COLD
CAUSE: WORN VALVE GUIDES
FOUND CYLINDER HEADS TO HAVE WORN VALVE GUIDES. OPENED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CASE #111680064. UPLOADED TECHNICAL DATA TAKEN WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PER TECHNICAL STAFF. REMOVED ENGINE ASSEMBLY FROM VEHICLE AND REMOVED CYLINDER HEADS. DURING INSPECTION NOTICED VERTICAL WEAR MARKS AND CYLINDER BORE CROSS HATCH EXCESSIVELY WORN. SEE T.A.S. CASE #112380034. FIELD TECHNICAL SPECIALIST INSPECTED CYLINDER HEADS, VALVE TRAIN, CYLINDER BLOCK AND ADVISED TO REPLACE FOLLOWING ITEMS. REPLACED: CYLINDER HEADS (BOTH SIDES), ALL INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVES, RETAINERS, KEEPERS, ROCKER ARMS AND PIVOTS, CAMSHAFTS (ALL), CAM GEARS FOR INTAKE AND EXHAUST, ALL VALVE SPRINGS, WASHER SHIMS FOR VALVE SPRINGS, ADJUSTED AND REPLACED 16 VALVE SHIMS, REPLACED ALL FOUR TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS, REPLACED PCV VALVE, OIL PUMP (MAIN, W/FRONT COVER) & SCAVENGE OIL PUMP, REPLACED ALL ENGINE SEALS AND GASKETS, REPLACED SHORT BLOCK ASSEMBLY WITH NECESSARY UPDATED OIL VENT TUBE. RE-INSTALLED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY INTO VEHICLE, INSTALLED SUPER LONG LIFE ANTI-FREEZE/COOLANT, INSTALLED NEW OIL AND FILTER, EVACUATE AND RE-CHARGE A/C SYSTEM WITH NEW A/C O-RINGS. TEST DROVE VEHICLE TO CONFIRM REPAIR.
09-16-11, 10:15 PM
#67
It's amazing how they found the problem. I find it strange that it happened in the first place. I think this dealership is going to work close with Lexus in finding out why this even happened. Nothing like good service!
I find this interesting because I recently found out IS250's that have been suffering from carbon build up have a new service bulletin that's been brewing in Lexus for some time now. The replacement of the pistons and piston rings. Crazy I know, but it makes me wonder...
I'm just glad Lexus has gone beyond the regular band-aid fixes and released new parts to replace the defective ones. One might say that it's sad to hear that there are issues with the vehicles, but the truth is they're reliable, and Lexus doesn't have the same issues other manufacturers only disguise by replacing the same part with a similar part that will eventually fail.
As far as power goes do you feel your car restored back to its peak?
I find this interesting because I recently found out IS250's that have been suffering from carbon build up have a new service bulletin that's been brewing in Lexus for some time now. The replacement of the pistons and piston rings. Crazy I know, but it makes me wonder...
I'm just glad Lexus has gone beyond the regular band-aid fixes and released new parts to replace the defective ones. One might say that it's sad to hear that there are issues with the vehicles, but the truth is they're reliable, and Lexus doesn't have the same issues other manufacturers only disguise by replacing the same part with a similar part that will eventually fail.
As far as power goes do you feel your car restored back to its peak?
09-16-11, 10:19 PM
#68
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I'm breaking in the car again. I haven't pushed it hard. The car does feel pretty good overall. I did also complain about a rattling sound on deceleration and there was a faulty drive shaft coupling. This is another one of those things that I was told to live with at Lexus in Warwick, RI. Makes me disappointed that I wasted lots of time taking my car to that dealership.
09-16-11, 10:25 PM
#69
Geez...i feel your pain. I am surprised these kinds of issues are occurring on Lexus cars...I would expect stupid issues like squeaky interiors and such, but valve guides, and such....not good. Hope all is well bro, and im sure Lexus will fix whatever it is.
09-16-11, 11:09 PM
#70
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
My car seems to be fixed! Got it back today and have not heard any tapping sounds in the engine. I'll have to drive it more to give it full evaluation. Overall I'm VERY HAPPY! Glad to be back in my ISF.
09-17-11, 03:10 AM
#72
Not sure that many of you noticed the fact that the OP's vehicle received an entire NEW engine. A "short block? is the engine block fitted with pistons... Houston we have a problem!!! That is one MAJOR repair on a vehicle with less than 100k on it!
Lexus REALLY needs to address this issue across the board with ANY owner who is having this issue, or, I can smell a class action lawsuit blowing this way...
Lexus REALLY needs to address this issue across the board with ANY owner who is having this issue, or, I can smell a class action lawsuit blowing this way...
Last edited by ming15237; 09-17-11 at 07:06 AM.
09-17-11, 06:13 AM
#75
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
There's a chance I could be at cars and copters tomorrow. Yes you should get the extended warranty just in case. It's worth a peace of mind after you pass the standard warranty. I had this issue way before my standard warranty was up because I was afraid something like this would happen. Talk to Lexus of Northborough about getting the extended warranty. Talk to Chuck Begnal. He's the service manager. Great guy to work with!