Pink coolant causes valley plate leak?
#16
This post got me a little worried so I stuck a scope down around the intake manifold on my 2015 with 43k. No signs of leaking yet. Whew.
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cvt (11-16-20)
#17
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My repost for RC F owners
From the same Topic Thread you posted in the IS F forum...
Here is my .02¢
Joe Z
Here is my .02¢
Joe Z
Some of us (IS F owners have tiny leaks (like me) some have had larger failures with full run off waterfall on the backside..
This problem is not IS F specific, there are many Toyota / Lexus with the valley plate that use this same setup and sealant. Clearly all are NOT failing so I can't see the SLLC pink fluid being the root cause.
There are way more LS460 and GX460 in service than F's.
My guess has to be improper install at factory or not enough sealant was used or maybe too much ??
Normal small amount of top off to FULL Line every once in a while should be normal..
The fluid does likely evaporate very tiny bit over time.
My repair was done under extended warranty during the ELF recall so I got lucky..
Also I already replaced my radiator once back in Feb 15' (top seal blew) then the Valley plate reseal back in Feb 16'.
Last summer did the WP and thermostat swap.
I have 63k miles under the new reseal approaching 180k miles on the clock & 5 years from repair..
The objective would be not to have a 2nd valley plate seal failure
I just can't see myself switching back to not pre mixed Toyota Red coolant and Servicing it every 2 years or 30k miles.
Toyota Red vs Pink Coolant – Which is Better?
Remembering my 2001 IS300 days the process wasn't fun. Also if I remember right this system was more prone to sludge and rust from adding in & mixing water.
Joe Z
This problem is not IS F specific, there are many Toyota / Lexus with the valley plate that use this same setup and sealant. Clearly all are NOT failing so I can't see the SLLC pink fluid being the root cause.
There are way more LS460 and GX460 in service than F's.
My guess has to be improper install at factory or not enough sealant was used or maybe too much ??
Normal small amount of top off to FULL Line every once in a while should be normal..
The fluid does likely evaporate very tiny bit over time.
My repair was done under extended warranty during the ELF recall so I got lucky..
Also I already replaced my radiator once back in Feb 15' (top seal blew) then the Valley plate reseal back in Feb 16'.
Last summer did the WP and thermostat swap.
I have 63k miles under the new reseal approaching 180k miles on the clock & 5 years from repair..
The objective would be not to have a 2nd valley plate seal failure
I just can't see myself switching back to not pre mixed Toyota Red coolant and Servicing it every 2 years or 30k miles.
Toyota Red vs Pink Coolant – Which is Better?
Remembering my 2001 IS300 days the process wasn't fun. Also if I remember right this system was more prone to sludge and rust from adding in & mixing water.
Joe Z
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1wacko (09-22-21)
#18
My RC-F (2015; 51450 miles) is in the shop for valley plate leak. Dealer quote $2500 ($2045 after discount). Work to start tomorrow. Hopefully no issues with the injectors.
Should I tell them to use the Red coolant?
Chu...
Should I tell them to use the Red coolant?
Chu...
#19
Racer
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I personally would stick with pink because if you have some type of issue down the road and they check (and they will) and see or find out that red coolant was used, I can almost guarantee they will deny anything that might be covered under warranty/good will...etc.
Also is this not covered under your power train warranty? If you have a 15' you should still technically be under warranty for such repair, no?
-Nigel
#21
I would think that if there was a significant # of reported failures that Toyota / Lexus would have a TSB on this. It doesn't sound like there is.
#22
Most IS F's have had this issue and Toyota still won't release a TSB on it. I've heard of Lexus Corporate giving some people discounts on the repairs though (sounds like common decency to me). Considering the more modern rendition of this engine has been out for nearly 7 years, it is definitely holding up better than the IS F's were. Some IS F's were having leaks just 1-2 years into ownership. And so far, there are only a few RC F/GS F leaks we know of, over the course of 7 years.
#23
Most IS F's have had this issue and Toyota still won't release a TSB on it. I've heard of Lexus Corporate giving some people discounts on the repairs though (sounds like common decency to me). Considering the more modern rendition of this engine has been out for nearly 7 years, it is definitely holding up better than the IS F's were. Some IS F's were having leaks just 1-2 years into ownership. And so far, there are only a few RC F/GS F leaks we know of, over the course of 7 years.
#24
#25
Reviving this thread since the dealership just showed me I have the valley plate leak. 2015 with 92,500 miles.
#26
Driver School Candidate
#28
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@lobuxracer ongoing beyond the IS F
Joe Z
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javrabbit (01-10-22)
#30
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