Some interesting ScanGauge observations

I got my ScanGaugeII in today and I love it, but I've noticed a few things...


First off, timing retard. I am getting pinging between 1250-1500 rpms pretty much whenever loaded which bugs the crap out of me, but I didn't think it was an immediate concern. I was watching the timing retard with the SG and it shows around 4 at idle and !23-28! in the "ping zone" as well as some retard at various other spots. Now I'm beginning to think I need to PM my fuel filter, get my injectors cleaned, possibly replace my O2s, etc. This amount of retard is worrying me.

Another thing is that I am constantly reading coolant temps of 190°F. It does get slightly warmer but once at operating temp it rarely goes below. I thought stock thermostats were set to 180°F?

Overall a pretty useful and cool tool, but now it has me wondering whats up.
-----Nate

IIRC the thermostat begins to open around 180 and is fully open closer to 190. 190 is normal IMO.

Thought I'd throw two pics in for kicks...

I guess of note on the 2nd one is coolant temp (°FWT) and relative position of RavenTai et all modded temp gauge....

I've checked my coolant temp and it's always 185* so I don't think you're off much.

Not sure but is this a new truck to you. People have been advancing the timing on these engines by mechanically rotating the dizzy. If you're not sure if that is correct I'd start there.

I'm the second owner. I know the first owners very very well. They don't work on their own vehicles (they now own 5 BMWs if that means anything to you) and the LX was no exception. It was religiously taken into Lexus of Tampa Bay for service and any repairs... so I doubt the timing was advanced.

At this point I really suspect its the oxy-sensors or injectors. I dumped 3 cans of injector cleaner (hey we have big tanks) not expecting much, but its a cheap test to see if the pinging improves at all.

And the fan clutch mod is on my short to-do list along with a front axle service and oil pump gasket over spring break.

I just got a Scan Gauge as well and am checking the coolant temps. Mine got up to 189F on a 30 min drive of easy level pavement on a 60F cool morning. I'll be checking ti this weekend on a steep hill and see if it climbs further.

190°F seems to be the natural resting point for my engine, and I think is optimal.

With the AC running in the summer heat now, I'm seeing temps creep up as high as 197-198°F which I still feel is very acceptable... at idle the fan is engaged but the RPMs just are not high enough to sufficiently keep the engine at 190. As soon as the revs climb and or I move for a little it goes right back down.

My MPG sucks though with the new clutch.