Lil4cyl

Using a higher octane fuel will not increase performance unless the car was detonating and the computer was pulling back timing because of it. Thats why some people "perceive" more performance with 93 octane fuel.

Speaking of detonation, anyone here experienced detonation/preignition/spark knocking with 87 and 93 octane fuels? I think I may need to take mine to the dealer and let them check it out. Mainly spark knocks right before the tranny shifts and right after it shifts. I just hate having to drive 30miles to the dealer just to have them check it out.

aprairie

Lil4cyl,

Get it checked ASAP. After going round and round with the dealer for 3 months (use 92 octane...didn't work, accelerate faster to burn deposits....didn't work and messed my mileage, etc), I told them to keep my 99 Rx300 (FWD, 34K) until they fixed the knock.

Oil gel was found, and engine block/oil pan were replaced. This was a CPL car I bought 6 months ago....and they never could explain how it made it through the inspection process with the problem.

Good luck,
Drew

Lil4cyl

Ok, will do. I only have 44k miles on it so they should not have a problem with the warranty issue. It knocks even with little throttle pressed. Like 1/4 throttle normal driving it will sprak knock.

mooretorque

Lil4cyl,

Absolutely concur with aprarie. ECU engines should NEVER have perceptible knock if all is well. I'd be very suspicious of sludge at this point. You are obviously well within warranty but, as I'm sure you know, there is an 8 yr warranty from original purchase date regarding sludge.

Tell 'em to keep it till they find out why!!

Lil4cyl

I will definitely set a time up with them. I was not aware of the 8 yr warranty on the sludge. Where can I go online that has the 1999 warranty info on the RX300's so I can see the exact coverages, parts etc?

mooretorque

Your RX has 4 yrs or 50k miles on drivetrain EXCEPT for sludge which is 8 yrs and unlimited mileage from original purchase date.

I'll look later for a link to the sludge notice. You'll eventually get a letter in the mail from T/L. Regardless, the dealers are all familiar with the policy. Will pay for repair or replacement as well as transportation costs while your RX is down for same.

You might search the Maintainence forum as well as RX; we had a thread about this a few weeks ago and had several links posted.

///MDex

Or unless the car calls for 91+, when the driver has been using a lower grade.

BTW, where in NC? PM me or DaveGS4 sometime.

Lil4cyl

I'm in Gastonia. I set up an appointment for next Wednesday at Hendrick in Charlotte for them to take a look at it. He said he could get me a loaner then. What do they usually loan? same car, or ES's?