campbeam

You could try vanilla essence or an essential oil e.g. lavender.

Cabin filters ordered from Aliexpress delivered this morning. Came in a box labelled Toyota / Lexus genuine parts with part number 87139-ONO10. Cabin filter looked ok and fitted ok.

AutoBarn Christmas catalogue valid to 10/12/2017 has Castrol GTX $12 each [limit of 2] and Penrite Additives 25% off. Just what I am after as I am planning upon doing an engine flush this month.

I have previously read this article about Australian fuel quality. My thought at the time was that this could explain why latest engines are not being made available by manufactures i.e. Toyota for the Australian market. https://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/the-breakdown-australian-fuel-quality-and-emissions-20170519-gw98gf These engines have been under development for quite some years. Now becoming a reality before 2020 but not expecting Toyota to be adopting this technology until it is proven in production http://www.motortrend.com/news/variable-compression-rest-story/ https://www.autoblog.com/2017/11/28/2019-infiniti-qx50-variable-compression-ratio-engine/

Yes. Obviously too much of a rush and did not look at the video closely enough. Just use it as a guide.

It would have worked for him because his engine is not badly sludged up. I notice that he had a previous video where he used a commercial engine flush then this engine oil and diesel combination flush 6000 kms later.

Consider your issue not fully resolved until proven otherwise. Make a note to do an engine flush and also clean the PCV valve at your next oil change ideally at a 5000 km interval or less depending upon how dark the oil looks. Clean oil is virtually transparent on the dipstick. A slightly golden colour is OK. When it is a darker golden colour, then it is time to consider whether an oil change is necessary.

Exactly why I have avoided Hybrid cars in the past; fuel economy now more than offset by these later bills.

If you read the earlier posts in this thread you will find the part number for the PCV valve. I bought replacements from Amayama.com in Japan.

There is only 1 PCV valve. What I have been doing to de-sludge the engine is ongoing over a few years avoiding removing valve covers and engine sump. It suits me to take this long term approach.

Have the throttle body, Idle Air Control and Mass AirFlow sensors been cleaned?

Has the transmission filter ever been changed? If not, I would not be surprised if it is blocked after all this driving time and restricting the flow of transmission fluid.

Your photo is certainly indicating how bad and extensive the oil sludging is in your engine. Certainly hope that you thoroughly cleaned the oil channels in the front valve cover and the PCV valve. I would be wary of using commercial engine flushes in a badly sludged engine because the oil pick up screen can get blocked. Seeing that you have already pulled off the front valve cover and seen the extent of your problem, keep going with your planned removal of the rear valve cover. I would also be inclined to remove the engine sump and see how much sludge has accumulated there and check/clean the oil pick up screen. Something that I have started doing is to check/clean the oil filter cartridge every few weeks.

1. For the jack stand points have a look at this recent thread. http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/55639-where-do-you-put-jack-stands/?tab=comments#comment-567661 2. For removing the oil filter housing, I use a 3/8 drive or just sometimes my hand to undo and tighten this housing. 3. I buy whatever oil is on special but it has to be the latest SN or GF-5 oil specification. I am in Brisbane so I am quite happy with 10W-40. Engine Oil URLs and GR4 GR5 Performance Comparison.doc 4. Recommend that you buy a quality metric socket and spanner set. Also a screwdriver set. 5. Watch Aldi catalogues for tool specials.

I noticed that your air-con is set to maximum cold. Temporarily change it to the mid setting i.e. warmer I cannot remember the thread but it had something to do with the temperature control valve getting stuck and needing to have some warmer flow. Maybe not the solution to your sound but at least something to try.

I am sure that the service manual is saying replace ATF at 70,000 km if towing or "severe" driving condition. My internet searches revealed that the transmissions fail if the ATF has never been changed. Transmissions are "sealed for life" but life = 10 years or 160,000 kms. Interesting the accumulated sludge on the bottom of the transmission pan when I replaced the transmission filter. There are a number of recent threads and post about the transmission fluid.

Keep reading the various motoring reviews. SX has the tuned sports suspension with 19" wheels. On the SL, the sports suspension has been "dialled back" with 18" wheels.

Check the vehicles maintenance history for spark plugs replaced, fuel filter replaced and change of automatic transmission fluid. These will need to be done in the future with the ATF change a higher priority in my opinion.

Noticed your other post indicating doubtful service history and engine sludge. New air filter should improve your fuel economy. Use of quality oils and regular servicing is highly recommended.

Wondering the same myself. As per the video, I would expect that the treadwear rating of the tyre must be higher to achieve a longer life. Quite possibly by increasing this rating there could be a minor side affect upon the traction rating. Anyway, I took the plunge and bought the 303 Aerospace last night with the 10% discount on eBay. https://www.coopertires.com.au/the-cooper-difference/tyres-explained/what-are-utqg-ratings/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniform_Tire_Quality_Grading

I would start by checking the fuse box located underneath the dashboard. Not sure but there may be another fuse box located in the boot area.

Also a good idea to clean the throttle body and the idle air control valve. YouTube has some good videos about cleaning the Toyota IAC valve.

Yes, very much a soft launch. I think that Toyota is focussing upon disposing of the 2017 model while building up stocks of the 2018 model. Looks like the SX and SL versions get the sportier suspension settings. Good excuse to go for a test drive in the different versions.

This is a video for the 2GR-FE coolant drain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRRpnMcA6vU

Finally got around to checking the manual. Apparently there are 3 drain cocks. Attached document may be of some further assistance Toyota and Lexus 35l V6 2GRFE coolant bleeding trick.doc