I worked for Lexus when the decision was made to specify Premium fuel for all vehicles, all lines. It was done simply to maximize the life of fuel system and powertrain components. They'll all run on non-Premium fuel though I can't explain the 2 for 2 on the CEL coming on. Sounds like you need an Italian Tuneup, though...
If you're getting a CEL/MIL when filling your LX 450 with regular unleaded it's not likely a reg/premium thing. Could be that you need a new fuel cap...could be any number of things.
BTW, there is a difference between the LC and LX engines...
One has a "T" on the black valve cover and the other has a "L" on the silver valve cover.
Bear80- calm down. The LX450 owner's manual specifies REGULAR unleaded (87 octane) just like the LC- I'd be interested to hear your response to that. I've been putting 87 octane in my LX450 for 2.5 years and 32,000 miles without a SINGLE problem, just like I put in my '93 LC for 2 years without any problem. If you don't know that the 1FZ-FE engines in the LC and LX are absolutely identical, then you need to do some more research instead of lashing out at people because they are pointing out your ignorance. If you got a CEL that was triggered by using 87 octane gasoline, then either you were using bad gas, or you had a problem with your vehicle that should have been looked at, unless you liked wasting your money on high octane gas which your vehicle didn't need.
OK alaska, my point with -B- is that these forums is to share information. I stated what my lx450 required and I'm pretty sure somewhere it's written that 91 octane is recomended by lexus. I KNOW what the LC owners manual states...and can only use memory to recall my lx450 manual. And I know somewhere I read lexus called for 91 octane...no I'm not confused by the manual stating "Research Octane Number 91 (Octane Rating 87) or higher." Now beowulf did not need to point out I was one sample size...is he some stats wiz, anyone could have figured that out and the people currently owning a lx450 could simply correct me as some did. Second, I am not ignorant about toyota engines, I have worked on and owned more toyotas than the standered memeber in here with the exception of a few.
Also I knew at the time when I bought my lx450 the engine was the same as the land cruiser, but for whatever reason EVERY TIME I put 87 octane in, the light came on. Now from what I recall the code was like a knock sensor....(oh and they are the same part lx450 and lc..infact all fuel related sensors are) Now my 1997 lx450 when I purchased it in 2000 had 15,000 miles...I strongly doubt I had a problematic engine. I sold the car after a few month for a supra (if I was going to waste money on 91 octane I'd rather be putting it in a car that can use it)
In no means am I saying that I know more than anyone else about toyota's, thier vechicles or engines. But this should be a friendly fourm to share each other's knowledge and experiance. I don't expect to be belittled by someone who has or "thinks" they have all the answers, we all learn somthing every day.
And hopefully, we share CORRECT information not anedoctal cases posted in the tech sections. Had you not been called on this, some people might read and believe what you stated as fact.
If you felt that I was a bit harsh by calling BS, then you're probably right. Just say so and I'll apologize. If you felt that I should not have said anything at all then, sorry but that ain't gonna happen.
Bear80 - I got the following from Lexus's website. As a Lexus owner, we can register our rigs on their site -- it's under the Owners section of their home page. When you do (you'll need the VIN to do this) you get access to some cool stuff online. One thing you can do is to search the owner's guide online or download it in PDF format. You can also order free replacement Owners manuals if you don't have one.
The following image is from the Lexus site. I although I have the entire manual on my PC, I downloaded this specific section and converted the PDF into JPG so I could post it here. Choose to believe or not -- it's your call -- but as Beowulf, myself and others have said -- the 450 takes 87 octane (you can put premium in if you so choose -- it's your cash your blowing)
Not meaning to get back on the subject, but I searched high and low for a one-owner, dealer serviced Anniversary 80 and felt damn good paying $12K south of Philadelphia for a 124K mile truck (and I am in the car business!). Granted, I'll need to change 30-40 slightly rusted bolts, but aside from some scaling on the wheels (which won't matter after a few outings here in Texas), I think I got a great deal (and I got to have dinner in Georgetown to boot!). Running gear is clean, body is excellent....and two manila folders full of dealer service records sure makes me feel good about building up another 80.
I got my 97 40th cruiser for 25k in 2001... great deal... the next year they dropped to 17k! However, it was worth every penny. Has the lockers and gets used... check out the video at www.toyotatrucks.net.
