BennySC400

Hey guys,

I've got a couple of quick questions...

First of all, I just started handling the maintenance on my Mom/Dad's SC400. For some reason, up until now, the car had been getting Castrol Syntec 5W50. I just did an oil change and used some really good German oil called Liqui-Moly 5W40. I'm going to assume that you guys probably don't know Liqui-Moly, but don't hate JUST yet! Do some research. It's an amazing full synthetic oil. I use it in my BMW, and alot of German car drivers swear by it.

Plus, there's proof that Castrol Syntec is not a true full synthetic, so screw them.

Now, I know the SC400 calls for 5W30, but I figured if it had been running 5W50 for so long, I wanted to go down in steps. And anyways, a 5W40 can't hurt.

When I did the change, I also noticed the oil filter was one of those cheap crappy made-in-china filters... you know, the white ones that alot of those quick-lube places use cuz they're cheap. So anyways, I used a genuine BOSCH filter.

Also checked the air filter. It was BLACK! Disgusting. I got an original Toyota replacement filter from the dealer, and threw that in.

While I was at it, I also notice I've got power steering fluid leaking from the pump, and the dipsick shows a bit low. Also, the pump is making ALOT of noise. When ever you touch the steering wheel, the pump whines.

So... I figure I need to add power steering fluid. The cap says to use Dexrom-type ATF. Now, what does that mean? Dexron III, or II, or what?

And what happened if someone added power steering fluid, instead of ATF? Cuz the stuff thats leaking looks brown-ish, and ATF should be red-ish, right?

Summary of my questions:

1 - Which ATF should I used for power steering?
2 - What happened if someone used power steering fluid to top-up?
3 - What engine oil do most of you guys use?

Lexmex

Liqui Moly is very good stuff. I use one of their antifriction additives and also their engine flush. One of my buddies with an RX7 swore by the stuff after going from Castrol GTX to LM 10W60.

Try Mobil 1 ATF for the PSF. I know a few good PSFs such as the synthetics from Redline and Valvoline, but found nothing better than the Mobil 1 ATF.

I am currently using a mix of a Mobil 1 5W30 extended life and a 0W40 Mobil 1 along with a few additives. However, everything differs by vehicle and other conditions.

Do not worry about using PSF even though it says ATF.

Pheonix

Mobil 1 5w-30. Run that. Engine's don't do steps. It's not like rx drugs.
Any mobil product is going to give very impressive wear & duration rates.

Power steering fluid is dexron III atf.

HarrierAWD

Yes, Castrol Syntec is just double-refined dino, so screw them royally.

#1 - If your manual says Dexron, then any Dexron grade will do. The most common is Dexron III.

#2 - No ill effect.

#3 - I use 5w30 dino in my RX300. It has had BP, Exxon, Pennzoil, Texaco, and whatever Lexus uses. They all work very well, even in NYC and Colorado winter. No oil burning or rough running after 71K miles.

BennySC400

awesome... thanks guys. this forum is very helpful. I love getting positive replies on these kinds of forums.

our SC400 is a 92 with only 127,000 KM's on it (thats about 78,900 miles)

we'll see how it likes the 5W40 Liqui-Moly oil... I think it will. Perhaps on the next oil change I'll go to 5W30 Mobil or stick with the Liqui-Moly.

as for the power steering, I need to have a mechanic figure out if it's the pump thats leaking or the lines coming out from the pump. in the mean time, I need to add ATF, cuz it looks pretty low.

my only concern is, that the fluid is leaking right down on to the alternator... which is directly under the power steering pump. what should I do about that? I don't want it to fry my alternator...

TunedRX300

#1 M1 Synthetic ATF
#2 ATF has red dye for easy leak detection, I would flush that old stuff out and put fresh fluid in. I made a photo DIY for RX300 https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=224976
#3 Mobil 1 5w20 SM, GF-4 oil. 20 weight oil is officially approved for UZ engines for 2006 models. Check out this thread https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=214826

Tammy

In my opinion, what's best for a German auto may not be best for a Japanese auto.

The K&N oil filter is also a Champion filter, but a little better design .

Consider addressing the coolant and the brake fluid... as long as your there, the differential fluid.

How's the automatic transmission fluid look ?

dshahs420

Castrol syntec is hydrocracked syn but German Castrol 0w30 "made in germany" is true synthetic oil and one of the best oils period.

BennySC400

ya, i know about the german castrol. its great... but hard to find here, and very expensive.

i think the SC needs an overall fluids change-up. the coolant needs to be flushed and changed, same with the brake fluid, power steering... transmission fluid is really nasty right now, that one needs a flush and change ASAP!

basically, this car is low mileage and in great condition, just lacking some good loving.

so, where can i look up all the fluid specifications, if I wanna do all of them?

Lexmex

Add at least one bottle of Redline WaterWetter to the coolant.

cdvmagic

The power steering hose should be changed.Because otherwise it will fry the alternator.That happens a lot on sc 400's

BennySC400

right... but how do i know if its the power steering hose or the power steering pump?