03GS300SJ

Hi guys, I just purchased a 2003 GS300 with low 94K miles last week. This is my first Lexus so I am really new to this. My previous car are mostly European cars like BMW, VW, Audi and Porsche ...I know...they are money pits so I am finally transfer over to more reliable cars; I do all my maintenance/repairs and my back is not what it use to...

Any way, the first thing I started is replacing timing belt since it still has the factory belt on ...boy what a PITA and I have done many TB before this! It took around two days to get the crankshaft bolt to loosen ....I read almost every posts here/elsewhere/youtube...I tried breaker bar w crank lock tool, starter bump, belt lock, 1/2" impact wrench ...etc
By the second day of trying, the head of the 22 mm bolt was half way stripped out due to the socket slipped several times with the breaker bar/impact wrench(1/2"). I had a 20 Gal Ingersoll compressor and thinking that the CFM was not enough and almost brought a 60 gal compressor ....but the final solution was a blow torch to the bolt and the 3/4" impact wrench I borrowed did the job.
I also have to remove the condenser in order to fit the 3/4" impact wrench to get to the 22mm bolt. So I do have to refill the AC at the end ...

Long story short, with the current access I have, should I change out the alternator and maybe even the radiator? What is the expectation of the alternator or radiator last? Is there other items I should look at that it maybe on the way out? I am changing the water pump, pulleys including the harmonic balancer, all belts, tensioner ..

I will also change all the fluid over the July 4 holiday. Thanks in advance!

BiGEZ

iTrader: (24)

Nice find, since you are that deep into it I suggest you replace all the hard to get too parts and be done with it.
That crank bolt is torqued to 239ft/lbs and I suggest you get a new bolt from the dealer since it is stripped and had a blow torch applied to it.
With the right tools that bolt is easy. I always use this: https://www.googleadservices.com/pag...9aACCDk&adurl=

TrueGS300

You should also fix oil leaks if you have any from the cam seals and crank seal and research about the vvt sprocket seal or just get a new sprocket if its leaking and you don't want to do the job twice. I also found the elastomer in the harmonic damper to be separating when I did mine and I had to replace it. Used a Powerbond replacement made by Dayco. Good idea to replace.

I wouldn't worry about the alternator till it fails. Nothing that has to do with this job needs removed to get it out besides the serpentine belt. The radiator, it's your call. It's already out. If it wasn't leaking, look for stress cracks on the plastic side tanks, if you see old looking plastic that seems easy to crack, might replace it. If not, its such an easy radiator to replace, I wouldn't hesitate to reuse it till it gets a leak.

Did mine about a month ago along with a cam swap and some other upgrade goodies

03GS300SJ

Thanks BigEZ and nice setup you got there True! Where did you end up getting the harmonic balancer? Yes I just picked up the bolt from the dealer. I got the bolt for $13 and I thought its a bargain. I was thinking it would be at least $20.

I dont see any leak at the sprockets or the cranks seals. It's actually pretty clean. What is the expect time to failure there? I will search further. I got the full timing kits with the seal so might as well put them in.....

Here are some pictures of the bolt after two days of labor trying to take it out. At the end I was worry that I will strip the entire bolt head so I only use impact wrench exclusively at the end....



it's pretty stripped

TrueGS300

The power bond dampers aren't cheap. $300 dampers all day. But here's a link to it for a good price on Amazon. There are cheaper brands out there, but none that I trust.

03GS300SJ

Thanks, I j just got one ordered. it take a week so I just put the old one back for now hopefully it will not be as hard to take it out next week.

Maybe I am just paranoid buy it seems more shaky after I put it back at idle ...might need the computer to readjusted? I did take out power while I was changing the belt. Maybe I really do need to changed out the harmonic balancer .

BTW, my torque wrench only goes up to 160 ft lb. How did you torque the bolt?

I thin my AC spec sticker is no where to be found. What is the capacity of the AC R134 and oil? Thanks again for the help.