Alexchurch

Hi all,
first time user here! I bought an 07’ LS460 in November last year, had multiple issues with it since which is abit of a pain but the latest has me a little stumped and looking for some advice.
The top oil pan is leaking (more of a seep than a large leak, no oil on Drive etc.), the dipstick is dry after about a month, est. 500 miles so it’s burning a lot plus the seep. Lexus have quoted $3,600 to fix, an independent $4,700.
has anyone successfully used any oil additives to stop small leaks from the top oil pan (it’s leaking through the sealant), if so which ones

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Welcome. How many miles on odometer? A big part of oil loss might be carbon in engine causing the oil rings to become immobile. A pro shop can treat this issue and depending on how bad it is, reduce oil consumption. What does top pan mean? Is it the valley plate?

Alexchurch

Thank you, I was told it was the upper oil pan where oil was seeping from. I don’t know if this is the same thing as the valley plate?
The car has done 132k miles

swfla

iTrader: (1)

If you are a DIY, check the spark plug tubes for pooling oil. If it's the valley plate, it ends up in the plug tubes. If there's no oil or just a touch, you can probably go another year before replacing that gasket and other items in that area. This engine is so complex with sensors, etc, I would hesitate to add any leak stop product that might create more issues. You also have enough miles to have that ring treatment done. Toyota can usually do it for less than Lexus. Or any indy shop for that matter. The Car Care Nut has a You Tube about Toyota Lexus oil rings and why these engines consume oil.

Anfanger

Does the engine burn oil, it leaks or both? Fixing leaks would resolve issues but if your engine burns that much of oil, it is a different ball game. It might be cheaper to get an used engine with low miles.

lwphat66

2 common oil leak areas are the hi-pressure fuel pump gaskets (2 pumps - 1 on each side, on top of valve covers toward the firewall) and the valve cover gaskets themselves. Unless you were able to visually confirm said "top oil pan" leak, perhaps consider a second opinion from a shop accustomed to working on LS460s (actually having replaced either of these gaskets, even better). There are plenty of good threads here with info/pics from members that have replaced these gaskets themselves. And both of these areas will often seep which will leave oil around them but not necessarily enough to pool on the ground.