I have a number 4 cylinder that is essentially dead(55psi), This 2010 LS 460L AWD has right at 140K miles, it appeared to have a service history since new, and according to Carfax did not go without an oil change for any long period of time(never over 7K between changes). Curiously, the Carfax does show a cylinder head replaced under warranty at right about 24K miles, but does not state which cylinder. 2 Japanese auto repair shops have now said replace the engine. I have located a nice 2012 engine at a decent price, but really cannot afford the cost of engine and labor to swap. Anyone have experience to advise of another option? Both shops say rebuilding engine is cost prohibitive, and just replace the motor. Any input appreciated!
Tom

 

I appreciate the input!

 

Well, I probably need to sell the car to someone who can work on it or swap the engine. It is out of my capacity, and the shop is claiming that engine swap is the best route. I located a nice used engine out of a 2012, but I cannot afford to do it.
Tom

 

How much is the replacement engine, and how many miles did it have on it when it came out? Sorry for your trouble with this car, I've not heard of this issue with any other LS before.

 

The replacement motor is nice, out of a 2012 with 77K when pulled and I can get that for 2K even, shipped with a return ticket to send back core. Well on the leak down test, the second shop did not do it, but concurred with first shop. The problem is that the computer puts the car in limp mode, and I cannot get anywhere quick. It is sitting at the second shop, about 15 miles from my house. Second shop had done work for me in the past on an 02 LS430 I had years ago, so they did not charge me any shop time to pull plug and do compression test, and they seemed reticent to do the leak down, saying that given the fact that it is not running hot and no leakage into the engine, they said they were sure that it would produce the same result. I do not have enough time on this forum(or not enough activity anyway) to put a for sale classified ad up, but probably just need to sell it. If anybody in the forum has an interest, just reach out. I am thinking $8500.00 as is. Second shop also said this was a first for them on an LS car, not that that really means a hill of beans....Selah..
Tom

 

You should be able to sell it pretty quickly for $7,500 with such low mileage, relatively speaking. New owner won't likely have any cylinder issues once the engine is replaced. Good luck with the replacement.

 

Just to clarify, the current mileage is 140,343 no oil leaking either ..The found engine has 77K out of a 2012 and is in excellent running order.... Looking to sell as-is, and will be glad to pass the lead on the engine on...I appreciate the input from you guys(or gals, or fluid situation, whatever the case may be...)
Tom

 

Did the first shop do a leak down test?! What would it cost you to have it towed somewhere else and do the test there? $150 for the tow? What did they quote you to do the engine swap with the used one you found?

This is an incredibly unusual repair, but I agree that loosing your shirt to sell it as is without fully understanding what the reality is doesnt make any sense. A shop doing a compression test but not wanting do do a leak down test doesnt make any sense. I also dont see how a shop with a straight face can say "well I've never heard of this happening before on an LS but lets just assume its that"

 

Said the swap was a 24 hour job at $90 an hour.

 

That's a lot of hours at a lot of money per hour. Tell said relevant parties to pound sand.
If not, I will personally buy your vehicle at a bargain price to fix it myself. Your choice.

 

In the interest of not being a di** in an establishment that has not wronged me(second shop did not charge me for anything) I just got the key back and thanked them for their time. I was thinking the 8.5K number was the bargain price to attract an industrious buyer.

 

So, you're looking at about $4500 to replace the engine in a 2010 LS460. Probably worth it. Alternatively, take it to a specialist shop to get the leakdown test done. If it's just 1 valve, it'll be a lot cheaper to pull that head and replace the valve than replace the entire engine.

 

The fact of the matter is, I am currently not a Lexus enthusiast(because of time and $ constraints), and I have to recover money that was loaned with this vehicle as collateral.
It also plays a big factor, that I have a primary job that eats up 50+ hours a week, and requires 3 to 4 hours additional for daily commute. If I was not in a single family community with a postage stamp lot, I would get it home and work on it over the next couple of years, and have a driver for the next 10 years.
Tom

 

Work on it over the next couple years?!? What?! Its a car that needs a repair, and the repair it needs may not even be as significant as you're being told because you haven't had the appropriate diagnostic tests done to the vehicle. These things happen when you own cars. I just can't imaging throwing money away by selling the car at a fire sale when you haven't even done the due diligence necessary to determine what's wrong with it.

This situation is starting to sound quite odd.

It all comes down to, people shouldn't buy this sort of car if they can't put their hands on a few K to make an unforeseen repair. Much better off in a new or newer less expensive and complex car.

 

The only odd thing is that my particular situation with the car has been explained, and you draw the inference, that I purchased the car out of need. The only odd thing about it all is, the person I loaned $ to, went off the rails after a long and mutually beneficial relationship.
Tom