1998 LS400, faint burning oil smell
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
1998 LS400, faint burning oil smell
I started my 98 LS400 today, and let it warm up for a minute or so. When I walked up to the car, I noticed a faint burning oil smell. Later I got in the car, and started the engine, and noticed the same thing. This is oddly the first I've ever noticed this.
I believe the valve cover gaskets were replaced in 2006, about how long do they tend to last?
Also for what it's worth, I don't notice any oil leaking, but I'll have to look again in the day time.
I believe the valve cover gaskets were replaced in 2006, about how long do they tend to last?
Also for what it's worth, I don't notice any oil leaking, but I'll have to look again in the day time.
#2
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (1)
YEP, my 99 is the same, Lexus said VC gaskets slightly seeping on the manifolds and burning, not hitting floor, but that will come........ and to let them fix it I would have to sell the car to pay the bill,, they "gave me the 45 point checkup when they cut & flashed my new key...
#3
Yep...same thing on my 4runner... smell and can see the oil on the side of the block but never drips. Costs about as much to fix on the 4runner as it does on the Lexus...of course the 4runner has almost 188k now with original gaskets.. so, probably to be expected.
#4
Same here. Not hitting the ground, but it's only a matter of time before it does. Mine has 248k on the clock, so i'd say it's time. A reputable shop quoted me $350 to have the VC's replaced and valves checked. More than likely, i'll have it done this spring.
#5
Rookie
Thread Starter
Good to know. It doesn't seem like replacing the valve cover gasket's would be that hard, is it?
I need the timing belt service done at 180,000~ miles anyway, so I might as well have my mechanic do the VC as well.
I need the timing belt service done at 180,000~ miles anyway, so I might as well have my mechanic do the VC as well.
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#11
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (1)
it is really not hard and no tricks to watch out for EXCEPT the plastic nipples that have hoses on them and the plug-ins look it all over, take some photos for reference in case you get mixed up.
take your time, lay your items in line as you take them off
what else can I say??
take your time, lay your items in line as you take them off
what else can I say??
#13
I would seriously take sha4000's advice and just snug up the VC bolts first. They do tend to loosen over time. Now that IS a very simple fix.
#14
It is not real hard but not a simple job either. You will find lots of plastic covers, tubes and connectors in your way. Then of course, the spark plugs are "deep well" so you have these seal tubes in the valve cover that you should replace while in there.
I would seriously take sha4000's advice and just snug up the VC bolts first. They do tend to loosen over time. Now that IS a very simple fix.
I would seriously take sha4000's advice and just snug up the VC bolts first. They do tend to loosen over time. Now that IS a very simple fix.
#15
Be VERY careful when snugging the bolts back down as they have a very minimal torque rating and I would imagine that they are really easy to strip out. I don't remember exactly what they are but I know it's in the lower in-lbs range.
Please take caution. For what it's worth, the ones back towards the firewall seem to loosen over time.
Hope this helps,
Matt
Please take caution. For what it's worth, the ones back towards the firewall seem to loosen over time.
Hope this helps,
Matt