98 LS 400 Love it, or list it?
11-26-16, 04:01 AM
#16
Racer
I would keep it. You've got the 98+ with the VVTi V8 and all the fancy stuff us 95-97 guys didn't get.
But aside from that, A timing belt job can be done for pretty cheap. I bought an Aisin RockAuto kit for about 200 that included everything. I found a import shop that charged 400 for the labor to install the belts, water pump and cam and crank seals. Make sure you replace your cam and crank seals though since yours are most likely about to fail just as mine did on my 97 coating the belt in oil.
Also, a cheap way to get rid of the P0420 code is to add spark plug anti foulers to your rear o2 sensors to space them away from the direct stream of exhaust gasses. This tricks the computer into thinking that the cats are functioning as they should and will turn the check engine lights off. I had mine trigger after i fixed my EGR tube leak and rather than buying new downstream o2 sensors or worse, thousands of dollars worth of catalytic converters, I spent about 8 bucks for 4 spark plug antifoulers, drilled out the first two, screwed them into the exhaust pipe and then stacked the second two on top of the first ones and then screwed the o2 sensors in. Its been over 20k miles and the CEL hasn't come back. I even passed AZ emissions since they just check to see if the light is off and the vehicle has completed its drive cycle, no visual checks underneath or anything in depth, its AZ afterall.....diesel trucks spewing black smoke out everywhere you look, so my cheat can't be that bad compared to those.
So just do the maintenance. You won't find a better riding car unless you spend 50k plus nowadays since nothing is made to last anymore. These were really the last Japanese made, hand built cars that Lexus offered...nothing else compares.
But aside from that, A timing belt job can be done for pretty cheap. I bought an Aisin RockAuto kit for about 200 that included everything. I found a import shop that charged 400 for the labor to install the belts, water pump and cam and crank seals. Make sure you replace your cam and crank seals though since yours are most likely about to fail just as mine did on my 97 coating the belt in oil.
Also, a cheap way to get rid of the P0420 code is to add spark plug anti foulers to your rear o2 sensors to space them away from the direct stream of exhaust gasses. This tricks the computer into thinking that the cats are functioning as they should and will turn the check engine lights off. I had mine trigger after i fixed my EGR tube leak and rather than buying new downstream o2 sensors or worse, thousands of dollars worth of catalytic converters, I spent about 8 bucks for 4 spark plug antifoulers, drilled out the first two, screwed them into the exhaust pipe and then stacked the second two on top of the first ones and then screwed the o2 sensors in. Its been over 20k miles and the CEL hasn't come back. I even passed AZ emissions since they just check to see if the light is off and the vehicle has completed its drive cycle, no visual checks underneath or anything in depth, its AZ afterall.....diesel trucks spewing black smoke out everywhere you look, so my cheat can't be that bad compared to those.
So just do the maintenance. You won't find a better riding car unless you spend 50k plus nowadays since nothing is made to last anymore. These were really the last Japanese made, hand built cars that Lexus offered...nothing else compares.
11-27-16, 07:22 AM
#17
Lexus Fanatic
Coming back from NJ yesterday we drove along with a really pristine original 98 LS400 for a while, not a ding or mark on it. They really are timeless cars.
If it's in good shape, I would keep it and find a value way to do the work you need done (TB is a must do) Even if you do buy something else to drive daily, you won't get enough for it by selling or trading to make it worth it to part with it.
If it's in good shape, I would keep it and find a value way to do the work you need done (TB is a must do) Even if you do buy something else to drive daily, you won't get enough for it by selling or trading to make it worth it to part with it.
11-27-16, 12:24 PM
#18
Rookie
Thread Starter
In searching online for a timing belt kit, it appears Lexus calls for the water pump to be replaced at the time of replacing the timing belt? Is this that necessary - or are there simply seals and vanes that should be replaced?
11-27-16, 12:41 PM
#19
Lexus Fanatic
I would do it at the same time. It saves labor.
11-27-16, 05:29 PM
#21
Rookie
Thread Starter
I get the impression, that everyone is pretty smitten on this car. I have to admit, I've owned a bunch of cars in 62 yrs of life. Most were even brand new, but this 98 LS 400 beats em all hands down! I realize the quality of construction as well as the fact, I won't be able to ever replace it with something equal or better. I'm however, moving overseas. Where I'm going, it's not welcome, nor economical enough. (Mexico and Italy). So, I hate to even think this, but I will have to sell her. I will replace the timing belt, water pump and anything else it needs. As I've always done. And put her on the market for sale, to be found by some very lucky person.
11-27-16, 10:24 PM
#24
I would keep it. You've got the 98+ with the VVTi V8 and all the fancy stuff us 95-97 guys didn't get.
But aside from that, A timing belt job can be done for pretty cheap. I bought an Aisin RockAuto kit for about 200 that included everything. I found a import shop that charged 400 for the labor to install the belts, water pump and cam and crank seals. Make sure you replace your cam and crank seals though since yours are most likely about to fail just as mine did on my 97 coating the belt in oil.
Also, a cheap way to get rid of the P0420 code is to add spark plug anti foulers to your rear o2 sensors to space them away from the direct stream of exhaust gasses. This tricks the computer into thinking that the cats are functioning as they should and will turn the check engine lights off. I had mine trigger after i fixed my EGR tube leak and rather than buying new downstream o2 sensors or worse, thousands of dollars worth of catalytic converters, I spent about 8 bucks for 4 spark plug antifoulers, drilled out the first two, screwed them into the exhaust pipe and then stacked the second two on top of the first ones and then screwed the o2 sensors in. Its been over 20k miles and the CEL hasn't come back. I even passed AZ emissions since they just check to see if the light is off and the vehicle has completed its drive cycle, no visual checks underneath or anything in depth, its AZ afterall.....diesel trucks spewing black smoke out everywhere you look, so my cheat can't be that bad compared to those.
So just do the maintenance. You won't find a better riding car unless you spend 50k plus nowadays since nothing is made to last anymore. These were really the last Japanese made, hand built cars that Lexus offered...nothing else compares.
But aside from that, A timing belt job can be done for pretty cheap. I bought an Aisin RockAuto kit for about 200 that included everything. I found a import shop that charged 400 for the labor to install the belts, water pump and cam and crank seals. Make sure you replace your cam and crank seals though since yours are most likely about to fail just as mine did on my 97 coating the belt in oil.
Also, a cheap way to get rid of the P0420 code is to add spark plug anti foulers to your rear o2 sensors to space them away from the direct stream of exhaust gasses. This tricks the computer into thinking that the cats are functioning as they should and will turn the check engine lights off. I had mine trigger after i fixed my EGR tube leak and rather than buying new downstream o2 sensors or worse, thousands of dollars worth of catalytic converters, I spent about 8 bucks for 4 spark plug antifoulers, drilled out the first two, screwed them into the exhaust pipe and then stacked the second two on top of the first ones and then screwed the o2 sensors in. Its been over 20k miles and the CEL hasn't come back. I even passed AZ emissions since they just check to see if the light is off and the vehicle has completed its drive cycle, no visual checks underneath or anything in depth, its AZ afterall.....diesel trucks spewing black smoke out everywhere you look, so my cheat can't be that bad compared to those.
So just do the maintenance. You won't find a better riding car unless you spend 50k plus nowadays since nothing is made to last anymore. These were really the last Japanese made, hand built cars that Lexus offered...nothing else compares.
12-02-16, 08:55 AM
#25
Rookie
Thread Starter
I called one lexus and two toyota dealers. Lexus wanted to pull the shaft etc, all in all around $2,300.00. Toyota would let me bring my own parts. Would be like $1,300 with my parts. My fave mechanic will do it for around $1,000.00 with his parts. Toyota said to not worry about the idler pulley as they last for 400K miles.
12-02-16, 07:20 PM
#26
UNCNOR is this what you're relating to: http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....316123&jsn=384
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