Wife's car is a 2002 Lexus RX 300 (1MZ-FE), an AWD included at the end of Toyo's sludge years. Has 102,000 miles, and what appears to be either a very slight rear main seal leak (doesn't drip yet) or a slight leak higher up on the engine dripping down. 40% highway, 60% city driving - short drives (1-3 miles) in town.
I've been using 5W-30 dino. per specs., first Castrol GTX and now MC5000 with either PureOne filter or Denso OEM. I'm not particularly loyal to any dino. brands though. (I use M10W-40 in my 2000 Land Cruiser).
Tried to find info. re: high mileage oil, thinking of moving to semi-synthetic? My impression is that the HM oil may help the seals, which are apparently slightly leaking, and the semi-synth. will help w/ the engine operating temps, as this engine seems to run hot (not on the temp. gauge though)...which in turn breaks down oil creating sludge. Don't want to use a heavy oil in an engine prone to sludge though.
What do you think? HM or not? Semi or not? Any help or ideas is appreciated.
I've been using 5W-30 dino. per specs., first Castrol GTX and now MC5000 with either PureOne filter or Denso OEM. I'm not particularly loyal to any dino. brands though. (I use M10W-40 in my 2000 Land Cruiser).
Tried to find info. re: high mileage oil, thinking of moving to semi-synthetic? My impression is that the HM oil may help the seals, which are apparently slightly leaking, and the semi-synth. will help w/ the engine operating temps, as this engine seems to run hot (not on the temp. gauge though)...which in turn breaks down oil creating sludge. Don't want to use a heavy oil in an engine prone to sludge though.
What do you think? HM or not? Semi or not? Any help or ideas is appreciated.