1996 LX 450 currently at 99,494 miles
Guys, I'm feeling a little nervous right now. Got a couple of issues with LX; oil consumption and head gasket. Not sure if there is any relation but here's my story...
Part 1
About two weeks ago I was driving when the oil light came on the dash. I pulled into a gas station to check the oil and found the dipstick level was very low - just a little oil on the tip. It took two quarts to bring it back to full. I had gotten an oil change at the dealership about 5000 miles ago ("Lexus" 5w-30). The oil level is always full between oil changes - I've never had to add any since the rear main seal was replaced at 85k.
I looked under the truck and could not locate an oil leak anywhere. I took it in to the dealership to have them look for a leak and do an oil change. No leaks found. I've driven about 250 miles since the oil change and the dipstick is still showing full. I'm keeping a close eye on the oil comsumption but am curious where it could have gone?
Part 2
With all the recent posts about head gaskets, I decided to do a "bubble test". I had the coolant changed to Toyota Red about 10k ago. I noticed coolant level in the overflow tank was just below "low", so I filled up the tank with distilled water. I then went out for a drive to warm up the engine.
I drove around in first and second gears, running the engine 3-4k RPM between shifts. After a couple of miles doing this, I pulled into the garage. I had someone keep the engine turning at 3k RPM while I peeked inside the overflow tank. 30 seconds later I saw bubbles .
There were about 5 bubbles that surfaced together every 30 seconds or so. I had them back off the excelerator and run the engine again - same results.
Since changing the coolant 10k ago, I haven't added any coolent or water. Should the overflow tank be low after that many miles? The radiator has always been full to the top.
I've got a sick feeling in my stomach. I was ready to lift and add sliders next month but everythings changed now. On the plus side, I've got a warranty from Lexus until 100k . On the down side, that's only 500 miles from now :whoops: .
I'm sending an oil sample to Blackstone Labs on Monday and will post the results. What do you guys think is the problem(s)? Help!
Guys, I'm feeling a little nervous right now. Got a couple of issues with LX; oil consumption and head gasket. Not sure if there is any relation but here's my story...
Part 1
About two weeks ago I was driving when the oil light came on the dash. I pulled into a gas station to check the oil and found the dipstick level was very low - just a little oil on the tip. It took two quarts to bring it back to full. I had gotten an oil change at the dealership about 5000 miles ago ("Lexus" 5w-30). The oil level is always full between oil changes - I've never had to add any since the rear main seal was replaced at 85k.
I looked under the truck and could not locate an oil leak anywhere. I took it in to the dealership to have them look for a leak and do an oil change. No leaks found. I've driven about 250 miles since the oil change and the dipstick is still showing full. I'm keeping a close eye on the oil comsumption but am curious where it could have gone?
Part 2
With all the recent posts about head gaskets, I decided to do a "bubble test". I had the coolant changed to Toyota Red about 10k ago. I noticed coolant level in the overflow tank was just below "low", so I filled up the tank with distilled water. I then went out for a drive to warm up the engine.
I drove around in first and second gears, running the engine 3-4k RPM between shifts. After a couple of miles doing this, I pulled into the garage. I had someone keep the engine turning at 3k RPM while I peeked inside the overflow tank. 30 seconds later I saw bubbles .
There were about 5 bubbles that surfaced together every 30 seconds or so. I had them back off the excelerator and run the engine again - same results.
Since changing the coolant 10k ago, I haven't added any coolent or water. Should the overflow tank be low after that many miles? The radiator has always been full to the top.
I've got a sick feeling in my stomach. I was ready to lift and add sliders next month but everythings changed now. On the plus side, I've got a warranty from Lexus until 100k . On the down side, that's only 500 miles from now :whoops: .
I'm sending an oil sample to Blackstone Labs on Monday and will post the results. What do you guys think is the problem(s)? Help!