I don’t see a leak but the coolant will be reduced to half in the reservoir in 3-5 days. What could be the cause.? What should I have checked before considering changing the engine. Thank you

Asked by Cheryl Aug 03, 2019 at 04:01 AM about the 2002 Lexus RX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

1 Answer

101,665

There's a few ways coolant can be lost while driving that won't leave puddles on the driveway. 1. Leaking heater core, lost coolant can then drain to ground via drain tube. 2. Blown head gasket, coolant can be going out exhaust, or draining to ground via overflow due to excess pressure in cooling system. 3. Bad radiator cap, doesn't maintain pressure in cooling system and some coolant is lost via overflow drain. Things to check: run a cooling system pressure check. It will find leaks (this requires special apparatus, you can buy or rent, or just take it to a shop.) Compression test, this will check head gasket. Block tester (this will test coolant for presence of combustion gasses, another sign of a blown head gasket). Block tester can also be bought or rented at any auto parts store. Check the oil for emulsions (dipstick or fill cap). Check PCV system also for signs of emulsified oil.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2002 Lexus RX

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    8,310
  • #2
    Papaobewon
    Reputation
    5,490
  • #3
    Nicolaos Vlachos
    Reputation
    5,050
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Lexus GX
227 Great Deals out of 4,138 listings starting at $3,950
Used Toyota Highlander
1,392 Great Deals out of 19,090 listings starting at $1,000
Used Acura MDX
631 Great Deals out of 15,175 listings starting at $1,100
Used Lexus ES
509 Great Deals out of 8,473 listings starting at $1,100
Used Toyota RAV4
2,015 Great Deals out of 29,305 listings starting at $1,450
Used Lexus IS
282 Great Deals out of 5,284 listings starting at $1,050
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,234 Great Deals out of 18,627 listings starting at $1,300
Used Toyota Camry
2,083 Great Deals out of 34,440 listings starting at $300
Used Lexus LX
65 Great Deals out of 1,058 listings starting at $6,500
Used Honda CR-V
2,061 Great Deals out of 42,060 listings starting at $1,050
Used Lexus LS
110 Great Deals out of 1,745 listings starting at $3,200
Used Lexus GS
88 Great Deals out of 1,043 listings starting at $1,650

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Lexus RX For Sale
9 Great Deals out of 5,954 listings starting at $47,299
2023 Lexus RX For Sale
38 Great Deals out of 628 listings starting at $44,980
2022 Lexus RX For Sale
66 Great Deals out of 872 listings starting at $31,324
2021 Lexus RX For Sale
102 Great Deals out of 1,560 listings starting at $28,201
2020 Lexus RX For Sale
60 Great Deals out of 614 listings starting at $26,950

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.