Atl

Dear Gentlemen,
Three problems to my 99 LS happened today, CHRISTMAS!! And I need some advice.
1) Driving back home I got hit by a bolt in the windshield, I am hoping it can be fixed, but if not, any idea as to how much a windshield costs?? (Afraid to ask) I heard not to get an aftermarket windshield. True ???
2) As I was looking at the windshield damage, I noticed a fairly strong burning rubber (I think) smell coming from under the hood at the base of the windshield. No smoke, but as I lifted the hood it is coming from somewhere near the fire wall at the back of the engine. No clue??
3) And lastly, as I was looking around at the back of the engine, I noticed the ac hose running near the fire wall was covered in a film of ice. I turned off the ac, and it defrosted but the windows fog up if I run the heat with the ac on, so I turned the ac back on and the hose iced up again. Could this be connected to the burning smell???

Thanks guys, and I hope your Christmas was not as frustrating as mine.

sonyman

1) If it's just a nick in the windshield, it almost definitely can be fixed. Just be sure to have it taken care of ASAP or it will turn into a crack, which will then necessitate a replacement of the windshield.

2) Check and make sure nothing has come undone and is leaning on the manifolds, EGR pipe, etc.. Without seeing the car there are too many possibilities to solve this one over the internet.

3) I'm not familiar with the hose in question, but probably not.

91LS400LEX

It sounds a little premature on a 1999 LS400, but it sounds like it could be your valve cover gasket. Both of my LS400s had this issue and my current 91' LS has a leaky valve cover gasket on the back passenger side. For some reason, these seem to like to leak on the passenger side cover, on the back. I also have a friend with a 93' LS that had a slight burning rubber smell from that area and we discovered that it was oil burning off due to leaky cover. It smelled a lot like rubber/tires though when the hood was closed. Smell was faint. I am going to get my cover gasket replaced soon, after I recover from the Christmas fund drainage.

Atl

Thanks for the replys, I agree that is seems to be the gasket leaking oil. As to the windshield, they are coming out tomorrow to see if it can be fixed, if not I have to pay $500.00 deductable. Plus whatever the gasket is going to cost.

Och

iTrader: (3)

I think its normal for the AC metal pipes to be covered with frost when the AC is on, but don't quote me on it. I know my car does that, and the AC works fine.

As far as the smell of burnin rubber, make sure nothing stuck to the exaust, like a plastic bag or some wire.

sonyman

I don't know about you guys, but burning rubber and burning oil have noticeably different smells. I've smelled both firsthand, from burning tires to leaky valve cover gaskets and so on.

BIGBADDAD

As far as the frost on the A/C...its normal, don't worry about that. The burning smell could possibly be oil, but I wouldnt count on it, more than likely something is prabably leaning up against the manifold, or the exhaust (cat), I would look at it real good once it cools down, look for a wire, or harness, or maybe even something like a plastic bag that you picked up on the road. I hope that helps.
Mark

91LS400LEX

That is exactly what I was thinking about my friends 93' LS when we were smelling this. I did not think it was oil @ first, because it really smelled like rubber/tires burning to me. I had never smelled hot oil like that before.

I did a "sniff" test and tracked the smell down to the back passenger side of the engine. Closer inspection ( I noticed motor oil seaping down onto the manifold), which led me to believe it was just oil burning off of it, causing the smell. I guess it was so faint with the hood closed, that it had a slight hint of rubber burning smell to it. I guess it could also have something to do with the grade of oil, etc. ?? I checked and there was definitely no wires or bags down on the exhausts.

Atl

It's not the valve covers leaking, which would be $400.00, oh no, it's the rear main seal and dipstick o-ring $950.00 !!!!!!!

Totally pissed! $950.00 + $350.00 for a new windshield. God, what's next.

Lets see:
1) 2004 Chevy pick-up: 135,000 miles, Nothing but oil changes, tires, brake pads. That's it.

2) 1999 LS 400, 93,000 miles, $1100.00 for timing belt/water pump/thermostat, $950.00 for main seal, plus the power steering pump now has a small leak $??? if I fix it. $350.00 for a new windshield, and all in the this month.

If you were expecting a Christmas present from me, contact Nalley Lexus Service, as that is where all my money is now residing.

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

You can do it yourself you know Spin a wrench, it's good for you!