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Ok, so I'm trying to get into my first LS400, focusing on the 1993+ range. It seems like the majority of the cars I look at in good condition have no record or idea when the timing belt was last replaced. I know that the TB/WP on the ES300 is a big concern. Is it the same for the LS? Am I over-reacting by not wanting to buy one unless the timing belt has been replaced within the last 50,000 miles or less?
Before the '95 model year, the LS400 had a non-interfering engine (meaning that the valves do not run into the pistons if the timing belt breaks). Of course, you can't go anywhere, but the engine is not ruined.
Beginning in MY '95, the engine is an interfering design, and a broken timing belt means an engine swap (or very expensive repair).
So, even if it is overdue, you are probably OK for a little while if the engine runs on a pre-95.
The TB is very robust. Mine looked very good at 140K miles.
And the interval is 100k miles... so 50k miles or less is not really valid. Unless you don't want to spend the money to change out the belt in the next 50k miles or so.
Before the '95 model year, the LS400 had a non-interfering engine (meaning that the valves do not run into the pistons if the timing belt breaks). Of course, you can't go anywhere, but the engine is not ruined.
Beginning in MY '95, the engine is an interfering design, and a broken timing belt means an engine swap (or very expensive repair).
So, even if it is overdue, you are probably OK for a little while if the engine runs on a pre-95.
The TB is very robust. Mine looked very good at 140K miles.
I thought ALL the LS models had interference engines. This is good to know. For that reason alone, I may focus more on the 93-94 range than anything else.
Originally Posted by Legender
And the interval is 100k miles... so 50k miles or less is not really valid. Unless you don't want to spend the money to change out the belt in the next 50k miles or so.
Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking. I don't want to have to spend $1000 on the TB/WP service right after I buy the car (unless the purchase price is reduced by that amount ) and I figure it'll take me awhile to rack up 50k miles.
And the interval is 100k miles... so 50k miles or less is not really valid. Unless you don't want to spend the money to change out the belt in the next 50k miles or so.
I thought the T-Belt service interval was 90,000 miles?? If its 100k, then im set for another 20k. lol
I thought the T-Belt service interval was 90,000 miles?? If its 100k, then im set for another 20k. lol
lexus recommends 90k, BUT your engine will not blow up if you miss it.... mine didnt get changed until 130k, and now has 243k on it and I plan on changing it at 250k...on my 99LS...
lexus recommends 90k, BUT your engine will not blow up if you miss it.... mine didnt get changed until 130k, and now has 243k on it and I plan on changing it at 250k...on my 99LS...
90k is the correct interval. Can you stretch that 10-30k? Maybe, but it's a risk you take knowing that if it fails you're out $3-5k USD to replace the motor.
In my experience, the belt isn't the component that fails, the idler/tensioner bearings and the water pump are more likely to seize then shred the belt.
Well ok then. Thanks everyone! I'm heading out to look at a 95 today that's supposed to be in good shape but leaking coolant and needing a new power steering rack. The price is right on it, so let's hope that minus the leaks the car is in good shape.
Ended up seeing a white 97 with 244,000 miles. In good shape aside from the front bumper which is pretty beat up. Trams was recently drained/flushed due to an issue with a solenoid inside the trans that was repaired. Needs new front brakes, and interior carpets desperately need a deep cleaning. Timing belt and water pump were replaced 50k miles ago.
Three posts back to back to back....I swear I'm not trying to up my post count!
Here's my new ride....classic white 97 with 244K miles. Needs new brake pads, transmission mount, and a thorough carpet cleaning. I got it for a steal too!
They're 205 55 tires, so you're dead on about them being small. They don't have a lot of life left in them either, but hopefully I'll be able to get a different set of wheels by the time these tires need replacing.
No major plans for the car other than tint, lowering springs (already has KYBs on it), and wheels.
11-03-14, 07:25 PM
Hunt For Red (not really) October....err...LS400
) and I figure it'll take me awhile to rack up 50k miles.
