2000 LEXUS LX470 STRONG GAS SMELL FROM EXHAUST

[LaYumba]

Hi guys. I'm new in this community and just recently purchased a 2000 Lexus LX470 overseas. We usually offroad overseas and wanted to have an either a Land Cruiser or the Lexus version of it which is the 100 Series for both models. So, I found this beautiful Lexus LX470 with only 164K and negotiated it for an awesome price. Vehicle was taken to a shop an inspected for half a day, vehicle was run for over 1 hour from the major city into another major city and then inspected again at a different shop. Vehicle was in excellent condition with the exception of only a few minor cosmetic details like a side-view mirror not working, front leather seats need maintenance, the remote key needs a battery, brake pads needs to be replaced, etc... All four mechanics found no leaks, no codes with the exception of old codes that were fixed years prior. The transmission was on point shifting great after driving it for more than 2 hours on the highway. Well, everything seemed awesome and we made the deal. Vehicle was driven to another city for an approximately 1-hour drive. Vehicle again drove excellent and no issues. The next morning when it was turned on. All lights were on at the dashboard (See Pic Attached). Vehicle shakes a bit when turning on as if there was a misfire code. There is a SUPER strong gas smell coming from the exhaust that you can barely stand near the vehicle. Vehicle consumed 2 quarts of oil on the 1-hour trip back to the last city and one of the back right passenger windows went a bit crazy. When you try to close it, it goes back down by itself, and the only way to keep it close is to hold the button while you lock the window.

My main question is about the strong GAS smell coming out of the exhaust. What are the things that I should consider inspecting to troubleshooting the strong gas smell? Do you think that is the cause why all the lights are going off on the dashboard? Also, I have read online that the Lexus LX470's engine is known for consuming engine oil around this time in ther life cycle (19 years with 165,000 miles), is that true? anyway this can be fixed?

Guys thank you so much in advance for your time and all your help.

 

[Leandro]

I have a 99 LX with 210K miles and it doesn't consume a single drop of oil. What I put in is what I take out on every oil change.
If the mechanics didn't find anything and still lost 2 quarters of oil, check if they put the oil cap back in place, I had a similar issue once where the oil cap went missing and lost 3 quarters of oil. (not to mention the mess on the hood)
Have any of the mechanics checked the compression? Any blueish smoke out of the exhaust?
Regarding the gas smell, I don't know how bad is it, but some smell is normal when the engine is cold because the computer is in open loop state so it uses a predefined rich mix to make the cold start easier. Once the engine warms up to operating temperature, the computer switches to closed loop and start using the sensors to adjust the mix.

 

[jmf10098]

Have you checked the PCV valve?

 

[nissanh]

Mine don't consume oil at 230K miles either. Do you smell gasoline smell even after engine is hot? Check for any vacuum leaks and replace pcv valve.

It that is your L300 pickup? solid truck!

 

[LaYumba]

I have a 99 LX with 210K miles and it doesn't consume a single drop of oil. What I put in is what I take out on every oil change.
If the mechanics didn't find anything and still lost 2 quarters of oil, check if they put the oil cap back in place, I had a similar issue once where the oil cap went missing and lost 3 quarters of oil. (not to mention the mess on the hood)
Have any of the mechanics checked the compression? Any blueish smoke out of the exhaust?
Regarding the gas smell, I don't know how bad is it, but some smell is normal when the engine is cold because the computer is in open loop state so it uses a predefined rich mix to make the cold start easier. Once the engine warms up to operating temperature, the computer switches to closed loop and start using the sensors to adjust the mix.

Hi Leandro, thank you so much for your response. There is no blueish smoke coming out of the exhaust I've been told. We have to make a very deatil inspection of the vehicle and the compression will be one of them, thanks for bringing that up. I will definitely tell my father to look out if the smells disappear after the truck is warmed up. I'm currently back in the states and they are still overseas. I will keep you posted once I hear back from them. Thanks so much for your input, I really appreciate your time.

 

[LaYumba]

Have you checked the PCV valve?

Hi Jmf10098, THanks for your feedback. I haven't checked that yet but will probably be able to, in a week or two. Once I go back abroad to verify most fo these problems. Thanks for giving me another solution to look out for, this is very helpful. I will keep you posted.

 

[LaYumba]

Mine don't consume oil at 230K miles either. Do you smell gasoline smell even after engine is hot? Check for any vacuum leaks and replace pcv valve.

It that is your L300 pickup? solid truck!

Hi NissanH, thanks so much for your input. I am currently back in the states but will probably be flying back overseas in a couple of weeks to check all these things on the truck. I will try to get my father to find out if once he warms up the vehicle if it keeps giving that strong gas smell. The gasoline smell is coming straight from the exhaust.

Yeah, that is a great truck, my brother in law had the same model and now has a 2016 diesel. Truck is very comfortable and great. That red one is the neighbor's truck that was parked in front of the Lexus at the time of the pic. Nissanh, thank so much for all your input. I really appreciate it.