curepunx

iTrader: (3)

So i purchased my 1990 LS400 with 180K+ miles over 2 months ago from the original owner; he was a nice older man who had the car garaged often but also, said the car would sit at months at a time (since it wasn't his only car).

Anyway, here's my problem;

-PS Fluid Reservoir needs to be re-filled about every 24 hours.
-There is a whine in the PS pump (louder the faster i rev the engine)
*There is no loss of power steering, even when the fluid is low*
-The car smokes at morning cold start up (white with blue tint)
-*Also, car smokes if car has been sitting for more than half a day (not as much smoke as first start of the day)...





....I have a feeling it's the valve stem seals that cause part of the issue, and also, maybe the PS idle valve...

Any suggestions? comments? ideas?
Your help is VERY much appreciated.
I'm located near Sherman Oaks, CA...


*A local mechanic keeps pushing to have the engine rebuilt, when im asking to get a valve job (to replace valve seals too) and change the idle valve thing (if the leak is coming from there INTO the intake manifold)*


Important note: There seems to be NO oil leak showing as I check the dipstick every morning and it remains at the same level...marking Full.

But there is a ticking sound at idle and it leads me to believe, that it does need a valve job including valve stem seals, and possible lifters...

But yea, i will attempt to have the IAC for the PS pump, removed and plugged soon, to see if that's the culprit causing the smoke.

EUBT

Sounds like you've got a good idea of what to do with your prob. Read up on this forum, plenty of info available. One thing you should definitely do is determine if your p/s pump is leaking onto the alt. Even if it isn't, inspect the pump and do whatever repairs are needed asap. Check the condition of the fluid. I would also check for a clogged p/s reservoir screen. Also the rack for leaks, especially at the end caps. I would clean/replace the solenoid as well. Of course flush the sys. As for a valve job. Check the condition of the oil and ask the nice old man for some service history. Some slight ticking I wouldn't worry about. If they get noisier you'll prolly only need to adjust them.

python

iTrader: (4)

there is a valve on the ps pump that has a hose that goes directly into the intake manifold, when this valve fails, ps fluid sucks up into the intake manifold and the car will smoke when u start it up..replace the valve, have ur ps system checked out

91LS400LEX

No, no, no - you do not need an engine rebuild, especially at 180K on one of these cars. These engines are designed to last much longer than that. I would say your smoke issue is the leaking PS pump valve.

Lifter tick on a older, high mileage LS is normal.... they just need to be adjusted. Both of my LS400s had this tick issue. One had it when I bought it at 219K and still had it (no worse) when I sold it around 270K. My current LS has a lighter tick, but its just now got 217K. It had 202K when I bought it. The sound has not gotten any worse.

Ahmedootie

iTrader: (1)

what are the downfalls to just plugging and capping the IAC on the PS pump? I did not know of this, and I have the same issue lol.

johnslee

I believe the part only cost around $105 at the Toyoya dealer..and about 1 hour job..I did it on my 92 few years back..that will stop the white smoke and don't have to refill the fluid so often! :-)

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

Downfall is less steering assist.

Upside is that the steering tightens up a bit a lower speeds, which I like anyways. That and the fact that you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for a replacement part. IAV= $100 or so, M14 bolt =$2

EastWind

drop that mechanic while you are it, he can't be trusted not with your money or car.

curepunx

iTrader: (3)

Well, so i got the idle valve for the PS pump removed and plugged with a bolt by ANOTHER mechanic near my work. Took them about 30 mins to get it done.

Anyway, the car no longer smokes at start-up and to my surprise, the steering feels better than before!

On the other hand, i still can't understand why there's a whine in the steering pump still remaining...it comes from the pulley mostly...

Anyway, that's all i needed to fix for now. Next up; Check Engine Light prognoses...

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

try adding fluid.
takes normal Dexron III/Mercon spec trans fluid in the power steering, NOT power steering fluid.