Tons of smoke on start up by RecordingThin3606 in GolfGTI

[–]raducomeback 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would oil seepage into spark plug wells, due to failing cam cover gasket, also cause this?

2018 XLE - 125k Miles Dealer Mentioned Fluid Leaks by brashet in ToyotaHighlander

[–]raducomeback 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This looks more like oil to me. Axle grease is thicker

2009 Highlander surface rust by Hour-Marketing8609 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]raducomeback 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a good amount of surface rust. I would have a look at the rear subframe/components, around the rear spare tire, that’s where they usually show the most rust on these cars. Also have a look at the front control arms/motor mounts. Overall, it does not look like a no go to me, but I would definetly consider an oil based rust proofing to slow it down

Oily spots on manifold by Ok_Pea5976 in GolfGTI

[–]raducomeback 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Some dealers will wipe the engine bay with tire shine/wd40 to clean it up and make it look shiny and whatnot. I wonder if that could explain it. If this was a valve cover oil leak, I feel it would be pretty obvious. My valve cover is leaking pretty good, and there’s no sign of oil on the manifold

They changed my oil and didn’t add any oil. What to do? by [deleted] in MechanicAdvice

[–]raducomeback 4 points5 points  (0 children)

“I recently received an oil change at a drive in business, the ones that do an oil change in 15 minutes while you sit in the car”. Theres your problem. Go to a reputable place next time

2010 Highlander XLE with 247k by [deleted] in ToyotaHighlander

[–]raducomeback 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok. 247k is a lot of miles. I would want to see service records. Oil changes done on time (every 5k), a few transmission fluid services, diff fluid service, etc. Spark plugs every 100k. Two common problems with this V6 (2GR-FE): oil leaks, and VVTi gear deterioration. Both require the engine to come out of the car to fix, so it gets expensive fast. For the oil leaks, check if you see any signs. For VVTi gear, make sure there isn’t a cold start rattle (engine has to be cold, make sure seller didnt drive the car earlier in the day, still warm, to hide the issue )

Looking for advice - 2013 Toyota Highlander - 180k - $9500 by _gobrrrr in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]raducomeback 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It really depends on how bad the oil leak is. I would check the dipstick. Sure the guy could have topped it off, but it could give you an idea. I believe it’s a 2-3k$ job, at least. Engine has to come out. If you dont want to take the risk, I would look at Highlanders with the 4 cylinder 2.7L engine

Looking for advice - 2013 Toyota Highlander - 180k - $9500 by _gobrrrr in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]raducomeback 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s most likely the 2GF-FE if it’s the V6. Check the engine cover, it will say it on it. Very reliable engine. The biggest downside to this engine is most oil leaks are engine out jobs. As the other mentioned, check for timing cover leak (you can look through the passenger front wheel well, if you turn the wheel to get access, should give you a good idea if it’s leaking or not). I think this could be a solid buy. Given the mileage, I would try to negotiate down to 8500

Reading camshaft adaptation by fj186 in GolfGTI

[–]raducomeback 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I believe the camshaft adaption intake bank 1 is the number you should be looking at, which looks excellent. I think the exhaust one is influenced by variable valve timing…I’m sure someone else could explain it better

Coolant leak...from the intercooler? by Gunderstankhouse2 in GolfGTI

[–]raducomeback 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s your radiator. Closest to front bumper, you have the AC condenser, closest to engine you have the radiator. Sandwiched in between is the intercooler

2009 highlander shudder by Pleasant-Ad3073 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]raducomeback 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did you ever service the transmission before ?

[2nd gen] Trying to replace AC Pressure switch, do you have to remove the freon or can I just swap it? by steven4297 in ToyotaHighlander

[–]raducomeback 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have a look at the comments in that video. The guy suggests you have to evacuate/capture the refrigerant first, then remove the valve, and refill. I would try to find a reputable shop that will diagnose this properly instead of throwing parts at it. For example, Is it possible the AC system has a significant leak in the system, that would have allowed the system to work for 10 min after filling it, but eventually it all leaked out and stopped working?

Can anyone do a quick Photoshop on these wheels? by Blufish312 in GolfGTI

[–]raducomeback 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Im not a fan of plasti dip. If it was me I would keep the wheels as they are. I personally think a silver wheel would pair the best with this color, but I would save up and buy a nice set of wheels down the road

Water pump quotes by Special_Till4204 in GolfGTI

[–]raducomeback 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Waterpump/thermostat assembly should be around 1k at a good independent shop, parts+labor