Blklex96

I agree with keeping your car maintanined on a regular basis. I also want to post this response I received regarding some recourse on these engines. Hope this helps the rest of you guys. .. Has Toyota notified you about its "Customer Support Program" for "Engine Oil Gelation?" Who: Owners of 1997-2002 Toyota and Lexus vehicles with 3.0L IMZ V-6 engines and all 1997-2001 Toyota vehicles with the now discontinued 2.2L four cylinder engines. Nine models are included. What: Engine oil sludge accumulation in the oil pan, valve covers, and/or cylinder heads with possible symptoms such as blue smoke on cold start up and oil consumption. Toyota maintains this "oil gelation" is caused by the owner's improper maintenance of the vehicle! The owners disagree. When: Former, current, and repeat repairs for sludge-related damage are covered for a period of 8 years from date of first sale or lease with unlimited mileage. This coverage includes all reasonable incidental expenses. If questions, consult with affected owners in the groups listed below. Where: Effective April 3, 2002. Contact the Toyota hotline at 1-888-802-9436. You'll be asked to show a reasonable effort (not all oil change receipts are required) to regularly maintain your vehicle. Toyota considers this a generous offer especially since the owner is at fault! Proceed cautiously. What if you have received no letter? OR, you want more information? 1) First, notify Toyota via certified letter with return receipt requested and give your case details. Let it know you have NOT received your letter. Ask it when you will get your letter, too. 2) Notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov and the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov. NHTSA: 1-800-424-9393. 3) Also, file with the Center for Auto Safety at http://www.autosafety.org and Consumer Affairs at http://www.consumeraffairs.com. Read other owner stories there. 4) Visit the "Toyota" folder in Cartrackers "Forums" at http://www.cartrackers.com and find the links to articles listed there. You should also post your own story there for others to read. 5) Read the third Automotive News article "Toyota broadens sludge-repair program--Automaker alters V-6, insists neglect is cause" by Richard Truett published on April 4, 2002. What if you want to do MORE in the way of consumer action? OR, you don't qualify for CSP? 6) Join other owners in the "Toyota Sludge Yahoo Group" at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyotasludge. Subscribe at "toyotasludge-subscribe@yahoogroups.com." Post at "toyotasludge@yahoogroups.com." 7) Join "Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution" at http://communities.msn.com/ToyotaOwnersUniteForResolution. Read other owner stories there. 8) Visit the "Complaint Station for Toyota" at http://www.thecomplaintstation.com. Please ignore those who are strongly countering the legitimate complaints of other Toyota owners who have had major problems. 9) Visit Edmund's Town Hall at http://www.edmunds.com. First, you must obtain a login and password to be able to access the original (over 6,000 posts) "Engine Sludge?" discussion that began January 5, 2001. There are other Toyota sludge discussions. All Toyota sludge discussions have been CLOSED at this site as of May, 2002. 10) Read other stories and post your own at http://www.RipOffReport.com under "Toyota" or "Lexus." 11) Contact cblake@erols.com for more resources and links, as well as to discuss other concerns with your Toyota vehicle, customer service, or warranty issues. Network with other owners to stay informed on these auto consumer matters and to work collectively! Stay-tuned?

Is it lack of oil changes or is it something that is common with the Toyota/Lexus engines? There are several web sites out there that have documented on-going problems with engine sludge. After just experiencing this myself, I am trying to investigate if this is a common problem. I have noticed several other members mentioning the same symptoms-excessive smoke on start up, faster oil consumption, etc. Anyone have any other feedback on this?

I would be more concern with the "sludge" than the wheels. If the engine locks up, you 'ain't ' a' gonna anywhere, anyway! Thanks for the info on the web site. I'll check it out and see what happens. I did contact the dealer I bought it from and the owner promised to reimburse for the repairs up to 1000.00. Hopefully he will keep his word after the reparis are complete. It was nice that the Lexus dealer gave me a RX330 to ride around in while mine is in the hospital... :P

This is exactly what is happening to my 96 that I just bought. I took it to the Lexus dealership and they pulled the head cover off. There was sludge all inside the engine. They said it was due to lack of regular oil changes. They couldn't find any records on the car except when it was first sold. Like yours, it was burning oil too much-I was having to put at least two quarts in each week. On start up, it would smoke for awhile but after the engine warmed up, it would stop. I would have them take a look inside and see if you have too much sludge built up. This will also kill your gas mileage. If not corrected, they said it will eventually lock up the engine. Hopefully, it won't be as bad as mine. When their done-I'm looking at 3000-3500.00 in repairs, parts, labor. :(

Some other things you might want to check out. Make sure the oil was changed regularly. I just bought a 96 ES300 and it started smoking when it started up. They pulled the head cover off and there was sludge all inside as thick as molassis. Couldn't find that by just changing the oil (which they did previously), you have to get inside and see it. Like yours, there were no service records that the dealership could pull up on their database. Worse yet, this car only has 55,000 miles. Also, if you ever get a Check Engine light and they determine it is the Charcoal cannister, there is a new EPA recall out that the 95-96 falls under (within a certain VIN number) that will allow them to replace it at no charge. That will save you about 450.00 (if Lexus performs the work). Best of luck with your "new" car. :)

Have you guys ever tried WD-40? I used this on a previous car before and was really amazed how it looked and how easy the gunk sprayed off. The engine was pretty dirty and I just used the can without the long red attachment and went to work. Let it sit for a little bit and then I began to wipe it all down. I know it will leave a little residue on the components but it's safe for electrical and will help prevent water forming which will cause rust. :)