masagsxr

One man DIY

I did this about 2 months ago but I just haven't gotten around to post it. Here we go. I did this in 2 days. I changed the valve cover gaskets on the first day then the T-Belt, pulleys, water pump and thermostat the 2nd day. I was going to change the crank and cam seals but it was a lot more work than I expected. They were not leaking so it's all good. My SC400 had 182K miles when I changed it. It was last changed by the previous owner @ 96K miles.

I may have missed on taking pictures on the other stuff but you'll get the idea . You can just imagine the savings in "LABOR COST". This is what motivates me on top of the passion working on cars . I'm sure you know how much the dealer would charge to replace these. I was quoted about $1400 to do all these work. Most of the parts I bought are OEM and it cost me roughly about or close to $400 which makes it $1000 in savings

1st pix: OEM Valve Cover Gasket parts
2nd pix: other parts. Most of them are OEM and while I was doing some research, the other parts were the next big thing OEM replacements
3rd pix: Removed left side valv cover to replace the gasket
4th pix: Cleaning up the valve cover
5th pix: I did not get a chance to take a before and after picture when it was dirty

masagsxr

1st pix: Left side valve cover installed.

2nd pix: Now onto the right side valve cover

3rd pix: Right side valve cover removed

4th pix: This was how dirty it was.

5th pix: Cleaned up valve cover and installed the new gasket

masagsxr

1st pix: Right side valve cover installed.

2nd pix: Stuff to get to the T-Belt and Water Pump... Sssshhhheeewwww

3rd pix: Hoses removed and turning the crank to TDC

4th pix: Crank to TDC as you can see

5th pix: Removed everything else that was in the way (side view)

masagsxr

1st pix: Had to remove the pulley on the Power Steering because it is in the way of sliding the alternator out. The alternator had to be removed.

Note: The AC Compressor bolt will just need to be loosen. I had removed he bolt tho since it was my first time to actually work on this. I remove the A/C compressor where it mounts then kind of just move/hang it on the side.

2nd pix: Loosening up the 188lbs (according to manual) torque crank pulley bolt.

3rd pix: Crank pulley removed (I had switched the pictures. This should have been 5th picture.

4th pix: Long breaker bar to help.

5th pix: I had no help so I improvised. If you are wondering who took the pix, I leaned my phone on the fender supported/squeezed in by other tool and set it on timer LoL. As you can see, the other bar I set it by my left leg, chest, stomach area while I pull the other breaker bar to loosen he crank pulley.

masagsxr

1st pix: Removing the crank pulley. It is good having the right tool. The $$$$ I save doing the job myself I invest on getting the right tool. lol.

2nd pix: Water pump removed.

Note: I also replaced the thermostat and it was good I did. The old one was messed up. Sorry I did not get to take a picture of it.. damn....

3rd pix: New vs Old water pump. The picture can play tricks on you LoL.. the new water pump is sitting on top of the box and make it look bigger than it actually is.

4th pix: Water pump and T-Belt installed. Belt pulleys were also replaced. The only thing I did not bother replacing was the crank and both left/right cam seals.

5th pix: Old vs new belt tensioner.

masagsxr

DONE!!!

1st picture, everything back together and ready to fire up. I was afraid that if I had mess up, I will have to take everything out and do them all over again LoL

2nd picture, clean-up and put the rest of the covers.

It fires up and was a success. Maybe its just me but the car felt like it runs a whole lot better. Definitely smoother than before I changed the belt and water pump.

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

woohoo pictures for the win, where did you purchase all of your parts though? valve cover gaskets alone i was quoted around $400 for my LS400 before

masagsxr

At the dealer. Most were from Lexus of Westminister which kinda one of the sponsor of this site. Some on ebay. Some ebay sellers are actually Lexus/Toyota dealerships. They give good prices and when you buy out of state its tax free hehehehee....

This is why the whole job was about $1400 to do. Replacing the valve cover gasket is easy you just have to be patient. There are definitely a lot of stuff to take off. Hope my post can guide you through your project. I think the gasket cost me $50. $25 each side I forget or probably even less than that.

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

i found whole kits on ebay already from mizumoauto which look pretty quality, as of now my main goal is just to replace my drive belt, and get my AC blowing cold but when my stuff does need replacing its all on my ebay ready to be purchased.
headgasket : http://www.ebay.com/itm/221216206717
Timing and waterpump kit: http://www.ebay.com/itm/22108789062
but of course i would always prefer oem.

luccig

Please tell me how did you remove the cover piece between your 3rd and 4th pix.

Thanks!!

The idler pulley and the fan pump pulley are out, but the cover underneath does not come out even after removing 4 bolts and 2 nuts!

masagsxr

You can't remove the valve cover? Just pry it carefully not scratching the head.... Sorry for the late response. I'm sure you already got it figured out.