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Does a 1994 LS400 with 68k miles need new timing belt?
Just picked up a 1994 LS400 from a little old lady from Pasadena who used it for a grocery cart. It only has 68k miles and was regularly serviced at the dealership. Maintenance schedule calls for new timing belt/water pump every 90k miles. Does anyone know if it should be replaced due to the age of the car. Any other issues or recommendations for low mileage but older vehicle?
of course the belt is also susceptible to age regardless of mileage but since the engine is non-interference, if the belt were to break, you would be ok (just stranded). if you don't want to be stranded, i would replace the belt but not until the 90k mark as normal being the car was from CA. enjoy it!
There is no time or mileage interval for the timing belt in the maintenance section on a 1991 LS400. Only if the vehicle is used where there is excessive idling such as police service or delivery service etc. The timing belt is shock loaded the most at idle when the cams are turning slowly.
It is in the Maintenance Manual. It is a small book seperate from the Owners Manual. Timing belt replacement should be performed every 90k or 72 months.
remember everyone, usually it's not the timing belt itself that fails, but the idle and/or tension pulley bearings that seize over time which causes the belt to overheat and snap.
It is in the Maintenance Manual. It is a small book seperate from the Owners Manual. Timing belt replacement should be performed every 90k or 72 months.
My 99 had 88k when I changed it , the belt was full of dry rot cracks when it came apart after 16 years. I would change it but I am a maintenance freak and I hate when the car breaks down...
But the 99 has in interference engine, and a timing belt failure means that the engine is scrap.
The 94 has a non-interference engine, and the consequences are not as bad - just that you are stranded.
When I had the TB changed at 150K miles in a '91, it looked nearly new.
It also depends on your weather, driving habits, etc.
But the 99 has in interference engine, and a timing belt failure means that the engine is scrap.
The 94 has a non-interference engine, and the consequences are not as bad - just that you are stranded.
When I had the TB changed at 150K miles in a '91, it looked nearly new.
It also depends on your weather, driving habits, etc.
Yes I know the 94 is non-interference engine, the consequence of - just that your stranded is reason enough for me to change the belt. Unless you need to save up some cash before doing the belt I would do it just to eliminate the possibility of being stranded. I work in the healthcare field and rely on my car every day to see clients, breakdowns are not an option.
Good luck with the car Im sure you will love it ! I find myself looking for reasons just to go for a drive
For preventative measures doing the service interval will give the peace of mind. There was a similar question asked some years back. In that instance the belt showed age and the water pump had begun leaking. Getting stranded seldom is at a convenient place, usually late Friday or weekend when parts places are closed.
For preventative measures doing the service interval will give the peace of mind. There was a similar question asked some years back. In that instance the belt showed age and the water pump had begun leaking. Getting stranded seldom is at a convenient place, usually late Friday or weekend when parts places are closed.
My '91 was originally owned by my father in law. He had the dealer replace the TB at 90k, but they did not replace the water pump (any my FIL seemed to always have them do whatever they said should be done, so they must not have recommended it). Sure enough, at 122k, while visiting up in NorCal (from SoCal) the WP goes and he needs another full TB change. So yes, often not convenient.
I'm at about 190k now, I think, and that 2nd TB was back in about '02 or '04. But it's not my primary car, so I'll run it until it breaks, which may be never. I'll report back if anything happens.
Actually, if a repair were ever needed that required taking things down to near the TB level, I'd probably do it then.
my first LS400 was a 1994 with a busted timing belt at 235k miles, I bought it for cheap, fixed it and drove it and realized just what I had.. wow... sold it and got a 95, then a 95 for my wife, and have now had 12 of them (currently 99's
and were not interested in anything else.. and that is why my first post said "drive it"
it is now july 6, 2021 and we still have the white 99, with 248K on it, still stock except wheels, and on july 14 I get a new set of tires for it, ..
Last edited by billydpowe; 07-06-21 at 09:17 AM.
Reason: to bring you up to date it is now july 6, 2021
04-12-15, 12:41 PM
Does a 1994 LS400 with 68k miles need new timing belt?
