How can I determine if my RX has the dreaded oil sludge problem?
02-28-09, 06:24 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
How can I determine if my RX has the dreaded oil sludge problem?
How can I determine if my RX has the dreaded oil sludge problem? It's a 2001 model and I seem to remember receiving a letter from Lexus about an externded engine warranty? Anybody remember how long that's for?
I have changed my enginel oil and filter regularly according the Lexus owner's manual. It has always received Mobil synthetic engine oil since the very first oil change back in 2001.
When my Lexus extended 100k warranty was about to expire, I had the dealer perform a detailed checkup to make sure there were no issues. (which was a good idea because I did not want to have to encounter a problem two days after the warranty expired) They gave my RX300 a clean bill of health. The dealer actually looked really hard to try and find a problem, so they could repair it and bill Lexus. But unfortunately they found none, so they weren't able to make any money off my RX300 at that time.
I have changed my enginel oil and filter regularly according the Lexus owner's manual. It has always received Mobil synthetic engine oil since the very first oil change back in 2001.
When my Lexus extended 100k warranty was about to expire, I had the dealer perform a detailed checkup to make sure there were no issues. (which was a good idea because I did not want to have to encounter a problem two days after the warranty expired) They gave my RX300 a clean bill of health. The dealer actually looked really hard to try and find a problem, so they could repair it and bill Lexus. But unfortunately they found none, so they weren't able to make any money off my RX300 at that time.
02-28-09, 10:59 PM
#2
Super Moderator
The only thing I can tell you if you really want to do it is have the engine cover to reveal this and see if there is any sludge in there, but I really doubt you'd have the issue if you're not noticing anything odd about your vehicle.
02-28-09, 11:56 PM
#3
Lexus Champion
How can I determine if my RX has the dreaded oil sludge problem? It's a 2001 model and I seem to remember receiving a letter from Lexus about an externded engine warranty? Anybody remember how long that's for?
I have changed my enginel oil and filter regularly according the Lexus owner's manual. It has always received Mobil synthetic engine oil since the very first oil change back in 2001.
When my Lexus extended 100k warranty was about to expire, I had the dealer perform a detailed checkup to make sure there were no issues. (which was a good idea because I did not want to have to encounter a problem two days after the warranty expired) They gave my RX300 a clean bill of health. The dealer actually looked really hard to try and find a problem, so they could repair it and bill Lexus. But unfortunately they found none, so they weren't able to make any money off my RX300 at that time.
I have changed my enginel oil and filter regularly according the Lexus owner's manual. It has always received Mobil synthetic engine oil since the very first oil change back in 2001.
When my Lexus extended 100k warranty was about to expire, I had the dealer perform a detailed checkup to make sure there were no issues. (which was a good idea because I did not want to have to encounter a problem two days after the warranty expired) They gave my RX300 a clean bill of health. The dealer actually looked really hard to try and find a problem, so they could repair it and bill Lexus. But unfortunately they found none, so they weren't able to make any money off my RX300 at that time.
03-01-09, 06:46 AM
#4
Pole Position
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: GA
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When the engine in my 99 RX failed due to sludge, the CEL came on and it was running very rough. The dealer looked into the engine and saw the sludge almost immediately. Mine too had been serviced per Lexus schedule, only we had been using regular oil.
I don't think that you would have this issue using synthetic. If you need absolute resolution, take it to the dealer and have them look it over.
I don't think that you would have this issue using synthetic. If you need absolute resolution, take it to the dealer and have them look it over.
03-01-09, 07:09 AM
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
When I bought my RX300, it had 7 miles on the odometer. After only 1000
miles, I brought it in for its first oil change, using Mobil 1 synthetic. Like I
said, it has never had any other oil put in except Mobil 1, every 4000 to 5000
miles, per Lexus service schedule. I guess Lexus can blame it on Mobil if
anything goes wrong?
03-01-09, 08:35 AM
#6
Lexus Champion
When I bought my RX300, it had 7 miles on the odometer. After only 1000
miles, I brought it in for its first oil change, using Mobil 1 synthetic. Like I
said, it has never had any other oil put in except Mobil 1, every 4000 to 5000
miles, per Lexus service schedule. I guess Lexus can blame it on Mobil if
anything goes wrong?
miles, I brought it in for its first oil change, using Mobil 1 synthetic. Like I
said, it has never had any other oil put in except Mobil 1, every 4000 to 5000
miles, per Lexus service schedule. I guess Lexus can blame it on Mobil if
anything goes wrong?
that wasnt even ready for synthetic oil yet,was not fully worn in.
03-01-09, 08:49 AM
#7
Registered User
Thread Starter
my other car came from the factory pre-filled with Mobil 1 synthetic engine oil, according to the sticker on top of the engine cover when I took delivery.(but it's a MB)
Trending Topics
03-01-09, 11:10 AM
#8
Lexus Champion
its not standard procedure to do it that way,but if you have no oil consumption issues by now,then you shouldnt have any problems.
03-01-09, 12:08 PM
#9
Registered User
Thread Starter
I know it's not needed, but I check my engine oil level everytime I fill up gas. The dipstick had always been really clean, so I assume that I'm safe?
03-01-09, 10:53 PM
#10
Lexus Champion
I am not arguing with anyone, only stating an opinion but I think maybe a little too much is made of leaving the factory fill in for a certain amount of time before changing to synthetic of your choice. (I would always follow factory directions that stated not to change to any other oil for a certain # of miles) I don't know of any auto manufacturers that use "break in oil" or have for some time. They fill at the factory with what they recommend using for the rest of it's life. I see no negative result then from using synthetic unless the particular manufacturer recommends not to. I have always driven my new cars and trucks from the time I left the lot just the way I will always drive them- no babying. And I have never had 1 that used any oil. I have a very interesting link that I will PM to anyone that wants it but would rather not post to the general forum. And I absolutely believe in it's validity.
03-02-09, 06:27 AM
#11
On my '92 Integra, I let the thing run to 1500 miles and switched to synthetic (Mobil 1) and never looked back. Running to 220K now and still looking good. Only some burn off, but cams and stuff look great.
Yes, the Corvette comes from factory with synthetic, so don't believe the "engine break in with conventional" crap. If the engine is suppose to run at existing tolerances and synthetic lubes the parts better, then why let the car "wear away" if not necessary.
Yes, the Corvette comes from factory with synthetic, so don't believe the "engine break in with conventional" crap. If the engine is suppose to run at existing tolerances and synthetic lubes the parts better, then why let the car "wear away" if not necessary.
03-02-09, 10:13 AM
#13
Sludge
That pictures brings a tear to my eyes... that's just sad, and wrong. No matter how bad that looks, there are even worse cases. Like someone else said, just gotta rip the cover off and take a look. No sure fire way otherwise...
03-02-09, 11:48 AM
#14
Registered User
Thread Starter
I don't know much about the internal workings of car engines, but it doesn't look like Toyota engineers allowed enough space for engine oil to flow freely. The only time I've seen the engine with valve covered removed was my friend's BMW 325i('94 or '95?) and it had a LOT more space up there where the camshaft resides...