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'03 LS430 handed down to my 16 yr old daughter a week ago from her grandmother. After driving the car today I smelled hot oil. This evening I took a peek. This is what I found. Oil level is good, just above second indent on dipstick and changed 1500 mi ago. Timing belt was changed 3k mi ago. Car was meticulously dealer maintained. Drip on hose and appears to be a lot of blow back but couldn't pinpoint a leak source. Any help/knowledge appreciated.
47k mi. now. Car often sat for months at a time without being driven. Valve cover gasket would be fairly easy and not too expensive. Worried it could be a cam seal due to location....?
On second look in the daylight, I think it might be from the front of the valve cover gasket. I have seen them seep oil but this seems to be more than that. Guess it's time to find a local independent Lexus mechanic.
Valve cover gaskets... just had them replaced by on my mom's 2001 with about 160k on it. That was the only place where the oil was coming from. Nice car for a young lady. Very safe and comfy. Hope she enjoys it.
On second look in the daylight, I think it might be from the front of the valve cover gasket. I have seen them seep oil but this seems to be more than that. Guess it's time to find a local independent Lexus mechanic.
If the mileage isn't high, it's not likely cam seals. I'd replace the valve cover gaskets first.
Thanks for the feedback. Called a recommended local shop, Pratt, and they want $600 to replace a valve cover gasket!! I've done an I6 Volvo myself before and it was $30 in parts and an hour to do. Turned out great. And, I'm no mechanic. $600??!! What gives?!
I'll try to pull this off by myself. Looks like fuel rail removal might be a challenge...? It's going to need shocks and the dry rotted tires replaced then she should have a great, safe car that should get her through college easy. It is a plush, safe, and reliable car.
Thanks for the feedback. Called a recommended local shop, Pratt, and they want $600 to replace a valve cover gasket!! I've done an I6 Volvo myself before and it was $30 in parts and an hour to do. Turned out great. And, I'm no mechanic. $600??!! What gives?!
I'll try to pull this off by myself. Looks like fuel rail removal might be a challenge...? It's going to need shocks and the dry rotted tires replaced then she should have a great, safe car that should get her through college easy. It is a plush, safe, and reliable car.
That is a difficult job. I think it was under $100 in parts for VC gaskets, spark plug tube seals, and spark plugs but it sure wasn't easy. You don't have to take out the fuel rails. I recommend getting a 3 pack of 1/4 extensions and a deepwell 10mm if you try it yourself. There is a plumbing pvc size that is perfect for knocking in the tube seals too. I got a spark plug tube sealer from harbor freight that was helpful too.
Call around and see if you can buy the parts and just pay for labor if you don't want to do it. I had a couple things break while doing this due to age and them being weak.
Is it difficult enough that $600 is a fair price for parts and labor? If so, I may just let someone else do it.
Two shops said it takes them most of a day to do it. Guess it is more complex than an I6 Volvo.
Called a recommended local shop, Pratt, and they want $600 to replace a valve cover gasket!!
The procedure is not the same as your Volvo. But, $600 for "a valve cover gasket" is quite high for only one side of the V-8 valve covers. If you're a capable DIY'er, you might consider doing one side and allowing plenty of time. Then schedule time for the other side which will be easier after learning. There's existing threads on this too that you should research to decide if you can tackle the job. You should do the spark plug tube gaskets too. NOTE: Very low torque spec on the valve cover bolts.
The procedure is not the same as your Volvo. But, $600 for "a valve cover gasket" is quite high for only one side of the V-8 valve covers. If you're a capable DIY'er, you might consider doing one side and allowing plenty of time. Then schedule time for the other side which will be easier after learning. There's existing threads on this too that you should research to decide if you can tackle the job. You should do the spark plug tube gaskets too. NOTE: Very low torque spec on the valve cover bolts.
$600 was for both sides parts and labor, install new plugs (I supply), and the plug boots. I'm dropping it off tomorrow evening and picking it up Thurs afternoon $600 poorer. I sincerely appreciate the info and am glad I didn't tear it apart and figure out it's going to take more patience and time than I have.
Looks like a valve cover as everyone else mentioned. That is a low mileage car, which means it has been sitting for far too ling without stretching her legs.
Valve cover gaskets aren't a common problem with the LS430.
That price is way high. Just had Pratt brothers do both valve covers, tube seals and all PVC components for $365 over in Ft Worth. And that included parts.
08-03-15, 08:18 PM
Oil leak help
