powerslide

I have a 2001 Rx-300. I have always used Castrol GTX 5-30 conventional oil with oil changes every 3 to 4,000 miles. At 79,000 i just switched to mobil 1
0-30 full syn. I never had a problem with the engine. I started reading some of the threads about engine failure and i am wondering what to do to avoid it. I have always been aware of Toyota`s sludge issue but never really worried about it. This is a 2000 built model but was sold as the 2001 year. It has the mirror reflectors in the taillights. I would almost like the engine to fail with`in the 10yr sludge warranty so i could get a new engine and not be stuck with a bill 2 yrs from now. Does the engine have to die for Toyota to replace it or can they look under the valve covers and say,( let`s give him a new engine because he has all this build up!) I doubt that would happen. They admitted to failure, so why not give me a new engine just in case. Yeah right! But it seems i have a ticking time bomb that i may be stuck with after the fact.It seems in that year range they are all waiting for it. I guess if i had used syn. the whole time it would be less of a chance? I am hoping i won`t have to deal with it and get lucky. Thanks

salimshah

If you have been regularly changing engine oil every 3k-4k miles, you don have to worry about the gel issue.

Lexus can check it out for you (for a fee) and if there is a problem, they will take care of it, if not you pay for labor and parts.

Salim

bob2200

I wouldn't be the least bit worried. My 2002 RX has had a mix of Castrol GTX 5w30 oil changes and oil changes at Lexus/Toyota dealers. (I think that the dealers probably used oil that was inferior to Castrol GTX. ) I'm not worried.

powerslide

Thanks, that`s sounds like a good idea. Bring it to Lexus and let them check it out. I am at 79,000 miles. I guess i could bring it in early and get the timming belt changed and check it for sludge too. thanks all.

thomas1

Beware, I just had my next door neighbor whom had his oil changed on his Toyota Hylander at the dealership, and at 51k had sludge....The dealerships dont always use the best oil, most of the time it is bulk oil....Full synthetic is the best insurance. I used a blend until about 100k and then switched to full synthetic. I have 158k miles and noticed with the Castrol Oil 0-30 European version that the crust even on the oil filler area is gone....Knock on wood hopefully I do not have sludge...have a great day.

powerslide

Thanks. For us who did not have a new engine put in for free ,it is always in the back of my mind that right after the sludge warranty is up, then it dies.I got over 200,000 on my old 1996 Avalon before some idiot plowed into me and totalled it. I used to do long trips daily on service calls so it probably did not get a chance to sludge up.My RX doesn`t run that much. I am going to try to run it on a long trip about once a month to get the oil hot enough to burn off the acids and such. Thanks

Lexmex

When I was in Mexico, I used to run an engine flush. Never had any leaks or issues from doing so. I knew quite a few friends at my old track in Mexico who would do this and occasionally find clumps or nasty material in their oil or filter upon draining after a flush.

I didn't do it just a few days ago when I switched out my oil (old Castrol 0W30 to new Castrol 0W30), even though the flush product that I used in Mexico, Lubro Moly Engine Flush, is commonly available at Napa Auto Parts.

The Mobil 1 0W30 is one of the best, if not the best, of the M1 oil group.

t-tak

I understand that the sludge problems affected 1999 - 2001 RX300's and that Lexus/Toyota warrantied these SUV's for 8 years. Does anyone know why the 2002' were not covered. Did Lexus resolve the problem before the 2002's came out?

thomas1

They may not have, my neighbor with a 2003 Hylander with same engine sludged up.
i would highly suggest using synthetic oil...Mobil 1, Castrol Oil european version, etc.

bozilla

I have a 2002 RX 300 and I did receive a letter from Lexus extending the engine warranty for 8 years from the time of purchase. There is no mileage limitation.

t-tak

Did you have to request that letter or does Lexus automatically send it to you. Also I read on line that transmission failures are a common problem with these suv's primarily '99 - '00's have you experienced any problems with the '02's. Apparently there may be a class action suit in regards to these numerous premature tranny failures.

JAB

If you learn of more details about this "class action suit" regarding premature transmission failures, please share; mine failed, out of warranty, but I am not aware of any group claim or litigation.

t-tak

I googled "RX300 transmission failures" and came up with an alarming complaints of failures, so many that some complainant may initiate a class action suit.

bozilla

I did not have to request the extended warranty on the engine. Lexus sent me a letter in October of 2002. The letter was titled "review you scheduled maintenance requirements". Included was the extended warranty.

powerslide

I called my local Lexus dealer and they had to but the Service manager on to talk to me. He said it was mainly an issue when people did not change their oil every 3 to 4 thousand miles. If you followed what Lexus said at the time which was 5,000 miles that was too long. I have 79,000 mil. and have always used Castrol 5- 30 non syn. But on the last oil change i used Mobil full syn. 0w 30w. I just bought a new 2009 Corolla and it calls for a 20w. Does Toyota now call for a 20w?
Should i put mobil 1 syn. 0 20w now in the RX300. I wonder if this may lessen the sludge problem with a thinner weight? Maybe that`s why they changed the new spec`s. HHmmmm?