LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

sudden oil loss??

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Old 08-30-12, 05:49 PM
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ccorogers
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Default sudden oil loss??

Please help fellow LEXUS brothers. My 96 LS has 204K on the odometer and runs like a sewing machine; today on my way home the oil light with the wavy lines came on, and the a red colored oil light was flickering on and off. I got home and checked the oil and the stick was bone dry. I added about two quarts of oil and the stick showed it was full. I left for work and the orange oil light with the wavy lines came back on. and on the drive way there is a pretty big stain on the concrete were it had leaked. does sound like a rear main? I want to drive it as long as possible and thank you for your help......
Old 08-30-12, 05:57 PM
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SC400slide
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Well, if the oil drain plug is still there, I would assume it's a rear leak...
Old 08-30-12, 06:03 PM
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Lavrishevo
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If the plug was gone you would have lost the engine. Sounds like the main. Should be pretty easy to tell once you look up underneath it. I would not drive it much till you get it fixed.
Old 08-30-12, 06:19 PM
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ccorogers
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I know the rear main is a giant job, how much do you estimate on labor and parts????
Old 08-30-12, 06:37 PM
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PureDrifter
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spray down the underside of the car, dye the oil, and find the leak. no sense in doing the RMS if its a failed sump or something like that.
Old 08-30-12, 07:57 PM
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As PD mentioned. I wouldn't expect the RMS to let go that suddenly but "stuff" happens. Do you still have the engine under cover on it? If not, check the oil filter to see if it has been pierced by some road debris.
Old 08-30-12, 08:52 PM
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Default Labor guidelines?

can anyone in here give me an exact time the "books" call for labor in replacing the rear main on a 96 LS400? I have scowered the internet with no luck. I saw the seal is like 15 bucks. any help is appreciated.
Old 08-30-12, 09:16 PM
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https://www.clublexus.com/forums/5709389-post6.html
Old 08-30-12, 11:38 PM
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you don't need another thread just for labor times, ask here.

merged.
Old 08-31-12, 03:44 PM
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Bill Dowd
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if you find out that the rear main seal is not leaking I had to have my oil pan re-sealeed at 240,000 miles also check the oil filter that it is not loose just a thought.
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