Hi, recently my 16 rx350 with mile 60k was having check engine sign diagnostic code p0016. I visited local Lexus dealer in FL. They keep my car more then a month after long escalation to escalation they responded saying I need to change entire engine saying “ after removing the crankshaft harmonic balancer to change oil seal, found that the key way and the harmonic balancer is damaged. Looks like it was loose at some point and it damage the parts. The crankshaft groove for the key way looks bigger. We recommend to put a new key way and HB to check how it sit on the crankshaft. *Note: if the balancer is loose with the new parts it may need to replace the engine crankshaft***
Recommendation: The HB was not installed because the major damage is at the grove of the crankshaft where the key way go. A new key way was installed and we used the old Harmonic balancer. Recommended to change a new engine”
Above is the dealer statement. Dealer drove the vehicle over 350 miles to do test drive asking $13k for engine replacement. I took back my car because can’t afford it. Car doesn’t show nor sign any errors, unrecognised noise or problem. Could you please advise what I should do for this matter.
Take it to a good independent mechanic for a second opinion. There's a better than even chance the dealer is either incompetent, trying to rip you off big-time, or both. If that damage is actually present there's a good chance the dealer caused it themselves when they pulled the harmonic balancer to replace the seal.
it should last 300 k miles trouble free.
