Losing Oil
#16
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On other vehicles I have owned a blocked /malfunctioning PCV system can cause problems like this. Too high a pressure causes the oil to vent back into the intake and burns it off.
#17
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#18
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Thanks for the additional ideas. I believe the PCV value is what was removed to get access to the rear left and middle spark plugs. Is there more to the PCV system than this tube? There were two things I noticed about that holes the PCV valve connected to.
One, the horizontal hole (upper hole) the the PCV valve connects to had a vacuum pull on it. It actually surprised me the first time I felt the vacuum as it slight pulled my finger towards it. When the hole was not covered the engine did not idle smoothly, but when I put my finger there it idled like normal. I assume I could test the vacuum pull here.
Two, the vertical hole (lower hole) the PCV valve connects to in the valve body was leaking a small bit of smoke (I'm assuming it's smoke because it had a burnt smell). Is it normal for gases/smoke to be inside the valve body area? I am correct in assuming this is oil burning?
I'll try to figure out which oil was being used as well.
Update: They were using Chevron Oil.
One, the horizontal hole (upper hole) the the PCV valve connects to had a vacuum pull on it. It actually surprised me the first time I felt the vacuum as it slight pulled my finger towards it. When the hole was not covered the engine did not idle smoothly, but when I put my finger there it idled like normal. I assume I could test the vacuum pull here.
Two, the vertical hole (lower hole) the PCV valve connects to in the valve body was leaking a small bit of smoke (I'm assuming it's smoke because it had a burnt smell). Is it normal for gases/smoke to be inside the valve body area? I am correct in assuming this is oil burning?
I'll try to figure out which oil was being used as well.
Update: They were using Chevron Oil.
Last edited by shark13; 07-12-10 at 08:10 AM.
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If it's Chevron non synthetic oil that they've always used then I'm voting for a sludged engine. PCV is possible especially on the pre 2001's with the cheap plastic valve. In 2001 they beefed up the PCV.
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Since the OP hasn't bought the RX yet, he has the opportunity to fix it prior to buying it or move on. If the rest of the vehicle is good it's worth a try.
The PCV valve is cheap as is an Auto RX treatment.
#22
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Thanks guys for all the great info. Between some initial advice, the compression test I did, and the further input I am feeling better about this vehicle. I was doing some research and I think I identified the black canister below the oil filter...is it possibly the oil catch can? I saw on another thread information about how the PCV and a catch can are tied together. Is it possible that the poor condition of the PCV valve causes excess oil to drop to the catch can. The catch can by the way is caked with oil on the outside and dripping some. It's the only place on the outside I can see oil.
Last edited by shark13; 07-12-10 at 08:22 PM.
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Thanks guys for all the great info. Between some initial advice, the compression test I did, and the further input I am feeling better about this vehicle. I was doing some research and I think I identified the black canister below the oil filter...is it possibly the oil catch can? I saw on another thread information about how the PCV and a catch can are tied together. Is it possible that the poor condition of the PCV valve causes excess oil to drop to the catch can. The catch can by the way is caked with oil on the outside and dripping some. It's the only place on the outside I can see oil.
Salim
#26
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The ones that I know used to be on steam locomotives. It was a bucket to catch the oil/grease drip and the poor guy had a miniture mop which was used to brush (or slop on) oil-grease on moving part. The lubrication system was not part of the engine.
I really want to see the picture ... and not the old movies.
Salim
I really want to see the picture ... and not the old movies.
Salim
#29
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Here is a picture of the thing I was talking about. Doesn't look like a motor mount...but then again I've never seen one on a Lexus before. Can't figure out where the oil is coming from if not the oil filter?
#30
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Yes, that is the motor mount (1 of 'em) and it looks to me like that oil has come from the mount, doesn't look like it's from the oil filter removal. A lot of cars have had "oil filled" mounts for quite a long time now. I think the term "oil filled" is a little misleading, they have oil in 'em to dampen the vibrations from the engine. Don't let the split loom running to it fool you, that is also supposed to be there.