Dear Friends,
I purchased this 2006 Lexus GS300 brand new, and within a few months of driving the vehicle I noticed a small oil leak from the top passenger side of the engine. Since I do most of the maintenance myself in my garage, I noticed this leak during every oil change. The leak is insignificant in terms of loss of oil, but I took the car into the dealer regarding this issue and they told me that there is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on this model for this very specific reason. They said that the work is covered under warranty up until 70,000 miles, but with the vehicle being so new (at that time) I decided to wait. Well, now there is 64,000 miles on the vehicle and I am pressed to make a decision.
My reluctance is due to the fact that half my engine has to be torn up to make this insignificant fix. They told me that (.pdf of the TSB is attached):
1. Left and Right Timing Covers/Housings have to come off and be resealed.
2. Left and right Cam Shaft Housings have to come off and be resealed.
3. Left and Right Valve Covers/Cam Covers have to come off
My questions are:
1. Will this job screw up my engine more than help the small leak?
2. What other major components need to come off to perform this job? Water Pump, Timing Belt, Fan Belt, etc… ?
3. If you do recommend going forth with this fix, would it be prudent for me to buy an off the shelf Water Pump and other major components (which ones, I do not know – please recommend) which are typically soon to fail and have the dealer replace them for free since the old ones need to come-off during the fix anyway?
4. Or, should I just ride this out till say something major fails and do the fix at my own expense at that later time? This is my first Lexus and I do not know the typical failure times for major components in these cars. From my previous Chevy experience, by 70,000 miles, half the engine had to be replaced ;) .
(I will not hold you guys to any of your answers – I just need your advice) –
Many thanks
Joe
TSIB_EG001_07_GR_FSE_Series_Engine_Oil_Leak.pdf