lexuskim

I recently asked about timing belt component kit and valve cover job on my 97 LS400 with 203K miles. First I would like to thank all who helpfully responded. Second, my car is now in the shop with my mechanic friend, who just called to ask where my car in 2002 with 89K miles was taken for the last same job. I told him the last and original owner had taken it to the Lexus dealership as he always did, and why was he asking. He told me instead of O rings they had siliconed it which he said was strange especially at the dealership. Does anyone have thoughts on this? Again, thanks to all who already have and those in the future.

willhickey

iTrader: (1)

siliconed what the water pump? i dont recall mine having a gasket either, they do that with the upper oil pan and lower pan and trans pan as well. probably saves a few bucks . it comes from the factory like that at least the upper and lower oil pans., i know my water pump didnt have one either but im not sure if it was original or not. what was the final price?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

WP has an O-ring i believe. not a standard cork-type gasket.

Acidic

iTrader: (1)

That is the proper way to do it.... send him this:

http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/engine/timingbelt.html

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

oops, O-ring that comes with it is for the water bypass, you still need to RTV the actual WP to the block

lexuskim

My mechanic called me to tell me my timing component kit (pullys, belts and water pump) and valve cover job would take 1-2 days longer because they(Lexus dealership) had siliconed ?everything (I'm not sure what all) instead of O rings. I called other Lexus dealerships who were appalled but, said some do it because it takes less time and they can still charge the hourly rate that putting O rings on would take. My mechanic didn't charge for the EXTRA hours since he had already quoted me. I guess that's what friends are for. P.S. My brakes had squealed when backing out of garage, whether 1 day later or 5 hours, which he said there was ?grit? or something on them, not the pads? but had fixed it. Nope, what could be going on? Final cost of all with 3 days was 1150k. Thanks to all.

deanshark

I don't understand why it would take another day or two just b/c they used silicone instead of an O-ring. Also, I don't see silicone being quicker then just pushing on the O-ring. At least your freind is being a freind and not charging for more time. The brakes could have sand or dirt on them causing the squeel. Hopefully the $1150 doesn't hurt your wallet too much. It's still cheaper then the dealer would have charged. What, you couldn't do it yourself? Just kidding, I know.

willhickey

iTrader: (1)

i think he told you that as an excuse to take longer, that wouldnt have taken 2 days... either way its running great right? i hope you love your new ls !!!

lexuskim

All I can think of is that he had several cars going at once and with me being a friend he felt that he could take longer knowing I had another sweet ride (Mom's Cadillac) Also, he told me he took care of the brake squeal problem. Not! As far as my wallet goes, that is what I make in 4 months. BUT, as long as you're talking wallets, I want to know if I have reason to brag. 1 year ago I bought my '97 with 200k mostly highway miles, garage kept by a retired banker with service records (like it was his baby) in showroom condition for 6k. Do I brag or zip my lip?

lexuskim

How long should it have taken? Yes it's running great except for the brake squeal still sounding like a piglet looking for his Mom When you said new? did you mean new to me? As it's a '97, but love? How about ecstasy! Cars are one of my 1st loves at 4 years old. My 1st magazine at 7 years old was a car magazine followed by my 1st car, Pontiac Lemans(can't kill it), followed by Volvo(snore), Saab (the most fun to drive) THEN came IT!!!! 1970 280SEL Mercedes I rebuilt it 3 times but alas RIP. Then BMW, then Jag(like driving a sewing machine), then 944 Porshe (another sewing machine, then Bently, ah yes, one should be driven IN it, not drive it. Then Mitsub. Diamonte(loved it), now Accura 2.5 in Chicago (love it) and finally my '97 LS400 down in LA. Sorry to go on & on but I have to tell someone who understands love of cars (like Club Lexus). that is why I don't hang out with most females. Most don't realize you can fall in love with cars>

willhickey

iTrader: (1)

haha cool cool, !!! like6 hours ish

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

wow kim, your lineup sounds like mine, but I have had 77 years to assemble mine....
check out my slides...

lexuskim

WOW, billydpowell. Quite impressive. I just hope you had as much fun driving them as I did looking at them. P.S. Did you get my response to another post you put up re: the 1 year Bible?

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

Yes I did.... glad we are traveling "together"