knykaza

Hi Everyone, Can someone please answer or give me advise on taking out the engine for a rear main seal leak. My brother is going to fix it for me but he noticed in the Hanes book that it said you need to remove the engine from the bottom. He has removed engines before but was not sure on my Lexus Rx300. Oh it's a 2002 by the way. Has anyone removed a rx300 from the top?? and is it worth fixing the leak?? I have 220k miles on it, but it still runs great.

code58

Have you considered using Auto RX to try and soften the seal and stop the leak? Most who have used it have had success at stopping the leak. 220K mi. is a lot and the seal may be worn too much to stop but I would try that before removing the engine. The stuff really works! It is to be left in for 3K mi. and does it's work slowly, BUT THOROUGHLY. If you decide to change the seal, you may be able to get the trans. out by dropping the front cradle on the drivers side. That would give you access to the seal and would be less work than pulling the engine. Be prepared for a groove in the crankshaft from the seal but just clean it up with emery cloth, it shouldn't hurt anything. I have had the unit out on my DIL's RX but dropped the entire unit out the bottom with everything attached and then lifted the engine for access because I was doing other work also. I didn't have to pull it, just lifted it enough to get to the rear seal. Her's is a AWD so if yours is FWD it would be easier.

Addl.: Word of warning: IF you pull the torque convertor (I would suggest you do, and put a new torque conv. seal in while you have it split), be CERTAIN that the TC is ALL the way back where it's supposed to be before you button it up or you will be buying a new transmission also. It will put pressure on the front pump and wipe the trans. out! The Lexus manual gives specifics on how to make sure it's back where it needs to be (measurement) and it isn't real easy to get it to seat back there. Take this advise seriously!!!

knykaza

Thank you. I think I will try that auto Rx stuff first, then think about my options. Thank you again for your help.