Shake, Rattle And Smoke By Elvis 200

[Mattydor]

(Re: title - that was meant to be a joke (ElvIS 200) but it's rubbish. Apologies)

Hi all

The Problem is I recently bought an IS 200. Love the car but, after driving for a while, it gives a rattle from the engine (normally when accelerating uphill) which produces a huge plume of smoke from the exhaust. Sometimes this goes away and it drives fine again. Sometimes it stays and puffs out a lot of light grey smoke for the duration of the journey.

I originally had an engine warning light on the dash for a P1349 fault code. This was fixed by changing the OCV filter, which was absolutely clogged up.

The spark plugs have been replaced. They were absolutely coked and worn out.

I've changed the air filter, which was dirty but not disgusting.

I am changing the engine oil today.

There is no more engine warning light but the problem remains.

Possible solutions based on other similar posts are:

• Blocked oil drains under timing cover
• ECU screwing up when it gets hot
• Valve problems or head gasket (But wouldn't that happen all the time, if so)
• Fuel filter problem
• General wear that can be helped by using BG44K

Are there any ways I can discount any of the above without spending a fortune?

My nearest Lexus garage is 20 miles away so I might risk taking it over there for a diagnostic (£66 quoted) but do they just look at the ECU or do compressions/timing tests too?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've already been helped with the initial P-code problem by members but I thought I should open it up to see if anyone had a similar problem.

Thanks,

Mat

[Lance]

Considering that your OCV filter resembled a lump of coal then it's likely that there is oil gunked up elsewhere in the engine and it's causing problems. Take the valve cover off and have a look. You can reseal it with instant gasket from Halfords.

[steve2006]

What about the EGR valve, if this jams the engine loses power and produces lots of smoke.

IIRC The car is alright for around 15 minutes and the EGR tends to stay redundant until the engine has fully warmed up.

[Lance]

The 1G-FE engine does not have an EGR valve as far as I'm aware.

With regards to the running issue I would be looking at oil sludge at being a symptom as the VVT-I is driven by the oil pressure. If there is anything restricting that then the valve timing and the overall running of the engine will suffer. Open the oil filler cap and have a look down. If there is any sign of sludge then get the valve cover off to view the extent of the problem.

Another question to the OP. Why a second thread on the same issue?

[Mattydor]

Thanks.

So, there's no EGR valve to look for? Are there oil drains under the valve cover that could be blocked?

Thanks.

Lance, I wasn't sure of the protocol as to whether I should start a new thread as I was asking a further question but I thought more people might see it if I did. You're right, I should have stuck to the same thread. Apologies.

[Lance]

I don't know if its blocked oil drains that are presenting the problem your car is experiencing although I do think the lack of maintenance is pointing in the direction of the oil system. As this engine has VVT-I and the intake camshaft position, which is the primary component on how your engine runs, is controlled by oil pressure delivered by the Oil Control Valve through the OCV filter which was all but a solid lump of oil sludge then you'd have to consider weather there is oil sludge elsewhere in the system causing problems or is it due to wear on the top of the engine due to oil starvation. A proper inspection will be your only answer but a look in the oil filler will give you an insight as to the state of the engine.

Do a google image search on engine oil sludge. Ths will show you what you are looking for.