kensGS400

just hit 90K mark, kinda tight on cash, question is how long can I wait to do the timing belt change?
thanks in advance.

SeattleGS400

iTrader: (1)

Just some info:

1. You can wait a while longer before you replace your timing belt--I have read that some have gone up to 140K+ without any problems on the original timing belt. However, you risk having it break, and you could be asking for trouble. FYI, a new GS400 engine costs about $8500 without any labor included (and that's a discounted price). While I don't think your timing belt will break anytime soon, the thought will loom in the back of your mind. Just a game of chance, however, you will probably be more than fine if you waited another 30k miles, but no guarantees. I'd get it done when you have the funds available.

2. I believe the original LS400 had 120K mile timing belt change intervals--can those with the early 90's LS400 chime in on this? Anyways, this might be something to think about to give you some piece of mind on the durability of the timing belt.

3. The water pump seizing up (i.e. getting lots of friction built up and causing it to stop) is usually the main cause of the timing belt to break. If you have been servicing your coolant regularly, you should be fine. The timing belt usually doesn't spontaneously break if you've maintained the coolant, hence the water pump.

4. If you do need to have the timing belt replaced, here's what you should replace as well (same charge as just the belt itself as it's in the same area--prices are at 20% discount off retail, like from Carson Toyota or SpartanMotorMall.com):

a. timing belt ($40)
b. L timing idler pulley ($60)
c. R timing idler pulley ($63)
d. timing belt tensioner ($43)
e. water pump and gasket ($95)
f. thermostat and gasket ($12)

If you buy the above discounted parts, a good number of Lexus dealers will just charge you labor for the install fee to help defray some of this expensive maintenance cost. I've checked w/ my Lexus dealer, and they are going to charge me $514 to do it (assumming I furnish the above parts), and they'll change the coolant as well. That's significantly better than $1500 that one dealer was going to charge me (if I had them supply the parts and to cover for the labor).

Hope this info helps. Good luck!

damon

I am not sure by any means , but aren't all GS 400 Variable Vavle Timing engines "intereference" engines? Meaning that the minute you have a timing belt malfunction you have Valve damage?

My 94 LS a 153,500 miler, has it's original timing belt but when and if it breaks I'm out some labor and a tow but not a new engine!!!

Beware of running an unaccepatable risk for the cost of a timing belt change!

damon

SeattleGS400

iTrader: (1)

You're correct, all Lexus V8's are interference designs. So if the timing belt breaks, the pistions will mash into the valves causing moderate to very serious internal engine damage (bent valves, holes in the pistons, damage to the engine head, or gouged cylinder heads, or even a completely ruined engine). Non-interference engines don't have to worry about the above. Nonetheless, while you could rebuid the interference-type engine (assuming the damage was moderate), it will still be a pretty penny to do so. Definitely change the timing belt when you are able to do so.

damon

My 94 LS V-8 ( I -UZFE engine) is non-intereference.

This explains my high mileage without a TB change.
damon

Rice

Actually, the fact that you have not changed the TB explains it

Your engine being non-interference will explain the fact that it will not be damaged too badly when your TB breaks.

what I'm trying to say is you should change your TB even though your engine is non-interference.

damon

This got put in the wrong place somehow. There seems to be quite a bit of confusion as to which models are intereference engines. I think Wti got it right with this response,


"Hi..Hyperopt
I'm new to CL and this is my first time with CL. From 90-94 the engine is interference-free, but in 1995 the LS models have a dome type piston which gained 10 more hp and if the Timing belt breaks or the Water Pump locks up.... you will bend the valves. Lexus recommends to replace the Timing Belt and Water Pump on the V8 95--and up at 90,000 miles, for peace of mind"

Pre-95 1-UZFE's are non-intereference

This was supposed to go under the GS 400 Timing Belt question , so if our moderator is around please move it.

Rice, I'm getting towards it , but wanted to fix the things that were actually broke first!! My EGR Pipe, motor mounts etc...

damon

My point was that it is an unacceptable risk to run a Post 94 Interference engine this long. Our fellow member with the GS needs to perform the maintenance asap.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Guys, what thread is this related to so I can merge them? I can't tell.

damon

It goes under the thread titled

"GS400 90,000 mile timing belt question"

Thanks, damon

SeattleGS400

iTrader: (1)

Damon:

Good info on the 1UZFE engines (non-interference years (1990-1994 V8 models) vs. interference years (95+ models))--didn't know that. I thought they all were interference types for every year. Nonetheless, if you have a GS400 that is due for a timing belt change, keep in mind that it is an interference type of engine and you can suffer pretty serious damage if the timing belt breaks. . .

kreativ

That must be why the owner's manual for the first-gen LS only calls for an inspection of the timing belt at 120K.

damon

I would also point out that most GS owners I know of occasionally show off fheir cars prowess much more often than LS owners. Therefore , I would monitor maintenance ( especially Tranny Fluid for the paddle shift equipped!! ) even more prudently.

damon

Thanks Mr. Moderator for putting this in its rightful place.