RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

Engine cover leak

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-10-24, 02:27 PM
  #1  
Fpan87
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
 
Fpan87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: New York
Posts: 119
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Default Engine cover leak

Was topping off some fluids and cleaning the car and saw some leak on top of engine. should this be concerning?
Old 09-10-24, 04:02 PM
  #2  
salimshah
Moderator
 
salimshah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 15,635
Received 1,098 Likes on 988 Posts
Default

Minor seepage which can be fixed with gasket/seal replacement of the sensor in the middle of your circle.

I would not rush out to get it done but should be addressed.

Salim
Old 09-10-24, 05:33 PM
  #3  
Fpan87
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
 
Fpan87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: New York
Posts: 119
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

That's the exhaust solenoid correct? You think replacing the gasket is enough? Or should I replace the unit as a whole, it has about 130,000 miles at the moment.
Old 09-10-24, 10:17 PM
  #4  
salimshah
Moderator
 
salimshah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 15,635
Received 1,098 Likes on 988 Posts
Default

It is most likely an O ring on the VVTi solenoid. Check if the dealership offers the Oring. In theory you can replace with generic Oring,

A new solenoid will come with one. Would I spend the money to buy a new solenoid? No, I would live with the seepage and if and when it becomes bad [leak] would I replace it.

The other issue is in first gen, the vvii for some were stubborn and had to be destroyed. It is matter of luck.


Salim
PS: If you do go the replacement way, make sure you keep track of which bank the VVTI belongs to.



The following users liked this post:
Fpan87 (09-11-24)
Old 09-10-24, 10:21 PM
  #5  
LeX2K
Lexus Fanatic
 
LeX2K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Alberta
Posts: 20,533
Received 3,026 Likes on 2,542 Posts
Default

That engine bay desperately needs to be cleaned all that gunk and salt shortens the life of everything. And it will be far easier to find the leak source.
The following users liked this post:
mjdgarage (09-11-24)
Old 09-11-24, 03:30 PM
  #6  
Fpan87
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
 
Fpan87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: New York
Posts: 119
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LeX2K
That engine bay desperately needs to be cleaned all that gunk and salt shortens the life of everything. And it will be far easier to find the leak source.
whats the best way to clean the engine bay ?
Old 09-11-24, 03:31 PM
  #7  
Fpan87
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
 
Fpan87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: New York
Posts: 119
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by salimshah
It is most likely an O ring on the VVTi solenoid. Check if the dealership offers the Oring. In theory you can replace with generic Oring,

A new solenoid will come with one. Would I spend the money to buy a new solenoid? No, I would live with the seepage and if and when it becomes bad [leak] would I replace it.

The other issue is in first gen, the vvii for some were stubborn and had to be destroyed. It is matter of luck.


Salim
PS: If you do go the replacement way, make sure you keep track of which bank the VVTI belongs to.
whats the purpose of keeping track of which bank ?
Old 09-11-24, 08:00 PM
  #8  
salimshah
Moderator
 
salimshah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 15,635
Received 1,098 Likes on 988 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Fpan87
whats the purpose of keeping track of which bank ?
Purpose and action is the same but bolt down structure is different.

Salim
Old 09-11-24, 09:08 PM
  #9  
LeX2K
Lexus Fanatic
 
LeX2K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Alberta
Posts: 20,533
Received 3,026 Likes on 2,542 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Fpan87
whats the best way to clean the engine bay ?
I use dish soap, or whatever mild soap I have on hand. Engine must be cool, cover the brake master cylinder and don't use high pressure.
Old 09-12-24, 07:39 AM
  #10  
salimshah
Moderator
 
salimshah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 15,635
Received 1,098 Likes on 988 Posts
Default

Have reasonable expectations. The grease/dirt/grime can be cleaned off [proper steam cleaning can help] ... BUT ... once the Aluminum has reacted with air and heat, you will not get the shiny new. It will always be uneven dull pitting with powdery white returning.


Salim
Old 09-12-24, 09:34 AM
  #11  
RX in NC
Racer
 
RX in NC's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NC
Posts: 1,653
Received 431 Likes on 345 Posts
Default

And do not soak these engine bays with a garden hose and Engine Brite spray like we did way back before vehicles essentially became rolling computers. I can use a garden hose and Engine Brite in the engine bay of my 1999 Ram all day long without doing any damage, but our three much newer vehicles will never see an engine bay hose job for as long as we own them. It is just too risky with all of the electronics involved.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dlcoffin
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
8
09-25-18 11:54 AM
SC3coupe
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
8
07-10-10 02:46 AM
projekt
Performance & Maintenance
6
07-13-07 09:45 AM



Quick Reply: Engine cover leak



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:18 AM.