Is220D - No Heating, Could It Be The Headgasket?

[morganbaz]

Hi All,

This is my first post as a new IS220d owner, I’ve recently purchased a used 2007 IS220d with 70k miles, 1 owner from new with a full LEXUS service history – all from the same dealership where the car was originally purchased. It’s very clean and coming from a BMW, I really like how it drives.. plus it has many more toys available . The car was purchased from a dealership in the UK, so I’ve got some comeback if I need it…

My problem is that having owned the car for less than 24 hours I noticed that the heating wasn’t working at all, since then I’ve noticed that now and again the heating does work but only when the engine is being revved, once I get stuck in traffic it stops working again and I’ve got to zip my coat up once again.

I’ve had it to my local garage (not a Lexus specialist) who have checked it out, they’ve noticed the following –

Very little water in the coolant reservoir, when the engine is warm it’s totally empty – it was full when I collected the car (cold engine)

Tide marks on the inside of the coolant reservoir bottle, looks like oil but difficult to say for sure.

Water marks on the front of the engine, where they assume water has got out of the overflow pipe.

I’ve also noticed that MPG is very poor – on a combined run.. although more motorway I’m getting approx. 30mpg.

When the engine is at operating temp there is white smoke with a blue tint coming from the back of the car when pushed.

I’ve also checked for the woshing sound when opening the coolant reservoir (getting this too) – what does this actually mean? I’ve noticed others have asked people to check as it’s an indicator of a head gasket problem. If anyone can explain it would be great!

Thinking head Gasket issue, maybe the start of more serious issues? The dealership where I purchased the car said it could just be a water pump or thermostat issue but I’m not so sure.

Thanks in advance for your help and support!! 

[normski2]

That is of concern...many of the features you have mentioned are certainly part of the lead up to diagnosis of HG failure.

You should get that checked asap. Take the Oil filler cap off and see if there is any white sludge (bit like mayonnaise) inside it. Also have a sniff of the water reservoir....does it smell a bit like exhaust fumes in there? And any oil droplets mixed in the water. The water in the reservoir should be a clean pink colour.

I'd put all your thoughts/concerns in writing to the place of purchase. Think of it as preparing your side of any claim or intention of returning the car for a full refund.

[morganbaz]

Thanks for responding Normski, I should have mentioned those other points...

No white sludge on the oil cap (as yet) but the water reservoir does smell very fumy, not as expected or the same as my other car.

I've already explained my intention of returning the car if it is a head gasket issue, even if it's in the early stages. In a way I'd rather the dealer not waste their money replacing other parts (water pump etc) if this is the case.

They have the car back now and are checking it out, but I do intend on taking it back to Lexus if they find no problems. I've actually contacted Lexus and based on the list of synmptoms they think it's the start of a head gasket issue :(

The dealer has accepted that if it is a HG issue, they'll provide me with a refund.

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Sounds like HG... Lexus say it sounds like HG.

Get your money back and wash your hands of this car. That's my advice anyway....

[morganbaz]

I agree, it's such a shame because they are very nice cars!

On the woshing sound when opening the coolant reservoir (getting this too) – what does this actually mean?Any ideas? I assume if there is no HG issue it wouldn't do this? Is it due to a lack of pressure?

[normski2]

It's your pistons creating pressure waves through the cooling system (because the HG is leaking) and back to your water reservoir. Hence the whooshing sound.

[normski2]

Take a look at a 250 Auto. They are tremendous cars IMHO.

The auto box is sublime and you get similarish mpg to the diesel(unless you are one of the lucky ones that gets 45+). The road tax is £280 on the auto and £460 on the manual gearbox...so be aware of that.

A lot will be determined by your annual mileage. Around town I get anywhere from 28 -31...on a decent trip it will climb to 36-40 ( the 40 is rarer end of the spectrum in all fairness)...38 is pretty much on the money. For an auto V6 petrol that is not bad at all.

Only real bugbear is the fact that the rear seats don't fold down and its not really roomy in the back. Only 2 in our household so it ticks all for me.

[ChrisRG]

Personally I would start with a pressure test to see if it drops the pressure. I'd leave the pressure test on for sometime to see if it eventually drops.

[morganbaz]

Thanks Chris, I think that is being done at the moment. Fingers crossed.

They are doing a chemical test too? Not sure what this is though, any ideas?

[normski2]

At a guess I'd say they are looking for evidence of fuel/exhaust material present in the water. To be honest a sniff will tell you what you need to know. Then a pressure test will confirm.

[morganbaz]

I've sniffed and it does smell, just waiting to hear back now....

[morganbaz]

It was the hg, getting refund today. Looks like I might go back to bmw... 330d hear I come!

[morganbaz]

Thanks for all of your help all, all the best for the future!