Hard Starting RX300

[CharBaby]

When removing the oil cap, I have noticed that all/most Toyota/Lexus have a baffle under the cap to reduce oil from spraying upward should someone just happen open the cap while the engine is running. This baffle seems to get a large amount of carbon built up on it causing the owner to question the engines' condition. Not to worry, it's only the baffle. Seems that the oil just sits there and cooks. I've had friends remove their valve covers due to concern only to find a clean engine underneath. Not to say that your friends RX isn't in need of an oil change, you just can't judge by that baffle under the oil cap. You can scrape off the crud, it so thick. I wouldn't though!
Yes, these engines are known for sludging but only seems to be from neglect not from one or two overdue oil changes.

 

[38sho]

clean the throttle body


also some of the 3.0's have idle air control problems, hard to start, when it does start it wants to idle real low, sometimes so low it won't even kick on the a/c compressor..........

I see this problem mainly on Avalon's, but its the same basic 3.0 engine so the IAC might be the same........ first I'd try a good physical cleaning though

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
When removing the oil cap, I have noticed that all/most Toyota/Lexus have a baffle under the cap to reduce oil from spraying upward should someone just happen open the cap while the engine is running. This baffle seems to get a large amount of carbon built up on it causing the owner to question the engines' condition. Not to worry, it's only the baffle. Seems that the oil just sits there and cooks. I've had friends remove their valve covers due to concern only to find a clean engine underneath. Not to say that your friends RX isn't in need of an oil change, you just can't judge by that baffle under the oil cap. You can scrape off the crud, it so thick. I wouldn't though!
Yes, these engines are known for sludging but only seems to be from neglect not from one or two overdue oil changes.


The shape of the baffle is what through me off. Removing a little carbon affirmed it has an irregular shape. At first, I looked like a sloping lava field after a volcano. Her oil always looked clean every time I checked it if that is any indication of lack of sludge.

Man, that oil filter was tight! Thanks for the loosening cold tip. Harbor Freight had a set of oil filter cap wrench thingys. I tried other brands, but they kept slipping. Theirs worked. I also bought a set of leather welder gloves so I will not burn myself on the manifold. Need to get some crush washers and I should be good to go.

Battery has one cell not fully charging. I am off to Lexus tomorrow and see what they will do for me and to buy some parts.

 

[CharBaby]

Lava is a great term for what that baffle looks like. LOL

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
Lava is a great term for what that baffle looks like. LOL


After I looked at it a while I understood the design was so the oil would run one way, kinda like lava going down a hill.

Well, was able to get a free new battery from Lexus. Their special tester confirmed it was bad. The RX300 started immediately (like it should) after installing the new battery. I do hear a little ticking when hood is up. I think it is injector noise. Not able to hear it when in the drivers seat.

PCV was cruddy. Throttle bodies were immaculate. You could have eaten off them they were so clean. I found out she had 30,000 mile service in 2008. I believe throttle body cleaning was included in that service.

Looks like this vehicle will have many trouble free miles if I can keep the battery in good shape.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

My in-laws have the 2002 version of this car. They've had battery run-downs multiple times on it. Must be something with these cars that causes battery issues.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

I am seeing the battery run down issue getting worse since my landlord is going to travel more. Bought a 6/4 amp charger that goes into a float mode once the battery is charged. I am thinking that when she travels I will just charge the battery and keep it fully charged. Since she does mostly short trips, the battery may not have time to fully charge. I think things like the headlights that turn off automatically after a set time adds to the additional demand on the battery.