Avoid oil sludge in tow package for RX300?

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MoeBachmann@gmail.com - 09 Oct 2008 18:55 GMT

Hi
A seller suggested that the tow package on his RX 300 which includes a
tranny cooler may avoid the oil sludge issue of some RX 300s.
Other net surfing says avoid the years and makes altogether.
Other KBB books says it only effects 2% of the vehicles, chances are
slim you'll get an oil sludger.

I like the suv, I need the tow package (light pop up camper at 1700lbs
dry).
I can't afford to buy someone's lemon. Is it VERY obvious or can a
unscrupulous dealer swab it out and claim it's clean?
Help!
Moe

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Ray O - 10 Oct 2008 05:01 GMT

> Hi
> A seller suggested that the tow package on his RX 300 which includes a
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> Help!
> Moe

A tow package will not help avoid sludge, and all Lexus vehicles have a
basic transmission fluid cooler. I'm not sure if the Towing Package
includes a larger transmission fluid cooler, but I doubt it.
The trick to avoiding sludge formation is to change the oil every 5,000
miles. If the seller has receipts for oil changes every 5,000 miles up to
whatever mileage is on the vehicle, then there is little or no likelihood
that there is any sludge buildup. To be sure, have a reputable shop pull
one of the valve covers to take a look at the top of the head.

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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MoeBachmann@gmail.com - 10 Oct 2008 15:06 GMT

> <MoeBachm...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)

Thank you Ray! Seller above also claimed "these vehicles are so good,
you don't need to get them checked!"
Sure pal.

On this group in another post "In the AWD RX300, there is sufficient
cooling system
to keep the ATF cool even when towing. (The 2WD RX300 has a tow
package that
adds ATF cooling.)" That's why I got confused. I guess the extra
cooler is only on the 2WD, but I need AWD for skiing trips.
Cheers Moe

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