My Oil change has gone South perhaps

[Hagar]

Took my 04 LS430 in for its 5,000 mile oil change. 225,000 miles. 

The mechanic wanted to show me something. It was pictures of an oil soaked pan cover and traces of possible valve cover leakage. I scheduled it for a R&R for $550 dollars but then.

He said something in front might be leaking AND this could, might, maybe would need a NEW belt! And he don't do timing belts. (Small town). Already did my timing belt at 190,000.

NO DROPS ON THE GOUND. Nothing. But the cover was oil soaked. I'm perplexed.

Lexus dealer in Ft. Wayne wants $200 an hour to diagnose. WTF.

What am I looking at worse case scenario? And what could be leaking in the front at the top he says will be a dealer only item?

Haven't even contemplated my oil pan could be leaking. Shudder...What am I looking at cost wise IF Lexus does this? Shudder again.

Looking for there, there, its going to be alright. 

 

 

[McBrian]

Keep looking for that hug, but maybe take some solace in:

Ol' girls gonna leak some. By far not usual Lexus miles yet, but ain't new.

Soaked in oil doesn't mean a bad leak. A small amount collects a lot of dirt and looks horrible especially over time. Small amount blows back with airflow and coats a LOT more stuff. Doesn't mean that's where it's coming from. Could be stuff left over from countless jobs ago. Techs ain't cleaning up after themselves unless you pay them to and even then you will get charged for the brakekleen they spray down from the top. That then would compound the *BLEEP* blowing all over mentioned before.

The only way to find possibilities is to completely power wash the engine and drive it until you might see a leak again.

Valve cover gasket could be leaking again. It's only as good as the effort of the last technician. My scale is as follows in ascending order of need:

Wet, Seeping, Dripping, Pouring, (slang for urinating)

$200/hour is about normal for a dealership. They don't work for free and walking in with a 'I don't know...' and a car "soaked" in oil is not fun. Dealership has a LOT of overhead to cover. You get to pay for that. Warranty pays a pittance for diagnostic work if at all so you get to make up for the loss. Customer Pay is a technician's wet dream.

And

That mechanic seems like a real  tool... Move on.

 

But... It *is* going to be alright. You didn't have a major issue when you went in. Hipshot says you still don't.

[RX400h06]

It sounds like you've got a bit of a mystery leak on your hands! Given the symptoms—an oil-soaked pan cover but no visible drops on the ground—there are a few possibilities:

1. Valve Cover Gasket Leak – This is a common issue on older LS430s. The gasket can degrade over time, allowing oil to seep out. A valve cover gasket inspection typically costs around $95, but a full replacement could be more.
2. Oil Pan Gasket Leak – If the oil pan gasket is failing, it can cause oil to accumulate on the cover without necessarily dripping. Some LS430 owners have reported $2,000+ for an oil pan reseal, especially if the engine needs to be lifted.
3. Front Engine Leak (Dealer-Only Item?) – If the mechanic suspects a leak at the front of the engine, it could be something like the front crankshaft seal, camshaft seals, or even the oil pump gasket. These repairs can be more complex and may require specialized Lexus parts or expertise.

Since you've already replaced the timing belt at 190,000 miles, it's unlikely that the belt itself is the issue. However, if the leak is near the timing cover, it could be related to the camshaft or crankshaft seals, which are sometimes replaced during a timing belt service.

Cost Estimate:

• Valve Cover Gasket Replacement: ~$95 for inspection, $200-$400 for replacement.
• Oil Pan Gasket Reseal: $2,000+ if engine removal is required.
• Front Engine Leak Repair: Highly variable, but could range from $500-$1,500, depending on the part and labor.

If you're hesitant about the $200/hour Lexus dealer rate, you might consider getting a second opinion from an independent Lexus specialist. Some mechanics use AT-205 oil seal reviver to temporarily stop minor leaks, which could be worth trying before committing to a major repair.

 

[tooldtocare]

If it was mine, I would spray it down with "simple green" ( cold engine), let is sit for 10, then wash it with cold water at LOW pressure. You will be surprised at how clean it will be. This grime is the accumulation of many miles, clean it up and then see what gives after. No drips on the ground, no adding of oil between changes says to me that the old girl has many miles left in her.