Hi,
Thanks for your replies. Yes, I think I know that I was ripped off but it was an urgent situation. The problems happend so fast within a week and he needed the car for school. First, the car lost power and ran very rough. As a matter of fact, it was not like a V8 and could not make it up a hill (due to both coils gone, plug wires cracked, bad sparkplugs). Then, there were engine noises (in restrospect, made by the water pump). I got the manuals but do not have time to order parts online and also work on the car. Yes, the 2 idlers and tensioner were also replaced. I got all the old parts back and the new parts were from Lexus dealer. New Iridium NGK plugs put in. Phosphate-free coolant (kind used in MB and BMW also red in color ) put in. The coolant sensor was replaced because it was damaged when the reservoir had a crack in it. This explains my earlier post about loosing coolant but I could not find the leak.
Long trip last night returned 25-27 mpg (doing 70 freeway with few quick accelerations to 85-90). Dash temp gauge showed fluctuations between half mark and lower (ie cooler) marks.
Please tell me:
1. The manual says that the coolant level in the reservoir should be between HOT and COLD when the engine is cold, but the level keeps staying just below the COLD level mark.
2. The engine idles at 950. Should it be at 850?
Thanks
VH