My LS430 is at 215k and I've always ran conventional in her, changed every 5000 miles.

Four months ago I decided to do the valve cover gaskets as they were leaking. Just before I did that job I let some Seafoam in the crankcase to clear out any carbon etc. Boy did the heads look great - no sludge or carbon inside! From this point on I only used Mobile 1 Synthetic.

Well a few weeks ago, she started to leak badly from one of the valve covers that I'd just done and at one of the cam seals. I took her in to Toyota and they did the following:

1. Timing Belt Job
2. Valve Cover Gaskets
3. Both Cam Seals
4. Some other seals near the cam
5. Crank Seal

The tech that works on Lexus vehicles there has worked on my car before and he gave everything a perfect bill of health. Everything was tight, no raddles, no scaring or wear on the heads. With the Seafoam and Mobile 1, the heads look like brand new guns - no varnish!

I also changed out my front lower ball joints myself to get my floaty ride back.

The tech said he wouldn't be suprised if the engine went another 200k.

 

these cars are TANKS!

 

This goes to show how well built Toyota/Lexus engines are I currently use Mobil 1 synthetic I change it every 3000 miles. Did you have a chance to look at the head before the seafoam? Im approaching 200k and planning doing the same maintenance as you at my 200k mark.

 

One of the few production engines made with six bolt mains.

 

Good to know! I'm at 115k, but I guess that's nothing as long as I keep up with maintanence.

 

What does that mean? Could you explain please?

 

Im 398k lol

 

Just curious, what did all that work cost?

Costco is running a $10 off coupon for a case of Mobil 1, time to stock up.

 

darn,all we have here is sams club,

 

How much did all that cost ya over at the Lexus dealer ?

 

"Six bolt main" refers to the number of bolts used to secure each crankshaft bearing cap to the engine block. 6 is considered to be stronger than 4 or 2.

 

thats great to know that these engines will last a long time. i just got my 03 LS430 and it only has 73k

 

I didn't get to look at the heads before the Seafoam. I paid just over $1100 (new serp belt too...) Brought it in one day for review, picked it up the next day.

 

How has the suspension held up? Have you replaced any other components other than the lower ball joints you mentioned? How is the ride?

 

3k with synthetic is overkill but if you feel like it go for it, i got 5k with full synthetic on GS, my buddy got a 00gs400 too both cars with over 220k on the clock and both motors are very solid. We did above service to his, both cars start to have some smoke puffing at start up...valve guide seals. Unfortenatly nothing you can do about a rubber that cracks from so many heat cycles. 1uz/3uz are tanks if properly mantained.