Engine Mounts

[richarda]

Recently my IS200 has started to vibrate during acceleration and has a rougher idle. Last weeks 120,000KM service took care of the idle but not the slight vibration during acceleration. Local agent claims my engine mounts are cracked/aged and should be replaced 3pc cost around US$750.00. I am a little suspicious of their recommendations, I have never had a car lless then 5 years old require new engine mounts.

Vibration feels like an “exhaust leak on a header” but with the windows down, even the door open in an enclosed parking garage there is no exhaust leak. This morning check with the hood open, brakes on and in gear/both forward and reverse (auto) the engine mounts appeared to be working properly, slowly allowing the engine to twist with no obvious “bottom” or sudden change in hardness. Max RPMs checked was about 3,000 to 3,500 RPM. The only easily visible mount is the right hand side (usually under compression) and it appears good with no cracks.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Short car history. Stock IS200, Auto Gear,16" wheels, Grey

Purchased new July 1999

Agent replaced Wire harness and ECM, “up-grade” 30,000 (warranty or ??)

Battery changed 40,000KM (warranty)

First tire set changed 40,000KM

Replaced Cruise Control toggle switch 60,000KM (warranty)

Both taillights burned out with in a week of each other 65,000KM

Front brake pads, 75,000KM

Second Tire change 90,000KM

Replaced Front Struts 90,000KM (warranty)

Other problems:

1. Numerous complaints about loose wrapping inside the air conditioning ducts, rattles at high fan speed. Corrected many times, I gave up.

2. Some errors with the CD changer but it always recovered. Still going strong.

3. Wind noise on driver door seals.

4. Side mirrors collect water

5. Paint problems, impossible to manage with water spots.

6. Windscreen has been badly “pitted” by small rocks, sand. Glass seems too soft.

Car averages 10KM per liter in mostly city driving. Squeaks 11 or 12 at slow freeway speeds, less then 110KM/ hour.

Fully Lexus agent maintained.

One other note, I am a Singapore based Lexus Car owner. I am using your group, as this seems to be the only active IS200 Group using English.

[ColinBarber]

Can you describe the rough idle problem you have?

[richarda]

Rough idle was probably caused by idle speed being too low, less then 660 by the tacho. 120,000Km service took care of this problem. Agent performed a throttle body "service".

Service did not cure the rough acceleration.

[ColinBarber]

Can you felt the engine stutter under acceleration? Maybe a coil pack or plug is playing up.

[richarda]

No, engine still "pulls" like new. No change in fuel consumption either.