Zmon

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, that hex screw is a real PITA. I'd just buy a long 5mm t-handle for future use, even if you use it only once.

If you had all the recalls done, it shouldn't need the gaskets since most of the kits include the gaskets they need to change when doing the work if any of that recall work is in that general area. Main thing you need to do is get a new gasket for that sensor if you haven't already ordered one. I think I listed the part # in the post one of the guys above listed.

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

I've taken it apart 3 times still using the original gaskets. The torque specs are 13ft lbs for the Allen Bolts, and 12ft lbs for the 2 nuts. I find it difficult to torque them to specs. Since I'm using the original ones. I just tighten them up till I can't crank them anymore. Of course not overdoing it just so I get a good equal seat. I don't want any vacuum leaks. To each his own.

kevin3344

Thanks, yeah not sure how I'm going to torque it to specs...just use my best guess. They were pretty tough to remove that's for sure.

kevin3344

Ok, got the new part installed and everything back together. Now she turns over but won't start? Installed a new battery yesterday just in case. Has 1/4 to 1/3 tank of gas. Thoughts?

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

Double check all your work. Connections not being plugged in etc.... I did the same work Saturday morning. With the exception I pulled the whole lower manifold off too. MAF sensor plugged in? Try some starting fluid too. The engine could be flooded by now.

Check if the fusible link is not blown. Big fuse next to the battery. Remove the cover see if no breaks in the metal under the clear plastic.

kevin3344

FL is good, and double checked the connections and everything looks ok. Sounds like it is flooded...but not sure what to do but wait...

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

​​​​​​Left foot on brake pedal, right foot on gas pedal to the floor give it one crank. See if it will start.

kevin3344

No joy. I'll give a few minutes and try it again. Maybe she just needs to reset after reconnecting the battery?

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

​​​​​It's probably just flooded. You need to get more air into the cylinders. I've done this work 3 times already even with the battery still hooked up. Always started back up on the first try. If you have no check engine light on no need to reset the ECU again. Try some starting fluid it could help. You disconnect the intake tube spray into the throttle body. Then reattach the tube, and try to crank again.

kevin3344

Thanks for all your help Mike, yeah that's what I'm thinking, too. On a good note the VSC error is gone and now it says "Check completed" but probably because the battery was disconnected.

kevin3344

Mike, you're a life saver man. Went out to the Autozone and got some starting fluid....came back gave it a couple sprays....she coughed and gagged and finally it started!!! Let it warm up and she purrs like a kitten now. NO codes. Night and day difference.

kevin3344

Ok, so maybe that was a little early to call it a success lol. Turned the car off and went to restart and it will rev for a second and then shut off. Sprayed some more starting fluid in and it will run for a second or two then shut off. At this point I'm leaning towards my fuel pump because it will not stay on without the starting fluid. I did have a 5 gallon gas can and added more fuel so I have about 1/2 tank of gas now.

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

Well that sucks. When the engine was working did you hear any hissing from the engine? Could be easily a vacuum leak. Are you getting a check engine light now? Prime the fuel pump a few times. Meaning with out starting the car put the ignition to the on position. Wait a few seconds and repeat for about 5-10 times. Then see if it will crank.

kevin3344

Tell me about it the car ran fine for a good 5=7 minutes. I didn't hear any hissing everything was fine. When I shut it off, and then would go to start it again, it would crank and act like it was going to start but wouldn't. It would only start with the starting fluid but won't stay on. So signs are pointing to the fuel pump unfortunately.

kevin3344

Ok, fuel pump is ordered should be here on Saturday. Got a used unit from a trusted seller on eBay. I'm leaning towards it as being the issue. The last entry on LexusDrivers.com before we purchased the vehicle was this:

9/21/18
~ ~GUEST STATES THE VEHICLE SAT SEVERAL DAYS DURING THE STORM. THEY WENT TO START VEHICLE DID NOT MAKE A SOUND. RESTARTED RAN ROUGH. SUGGEST DECARBON ENGINE.~ ~CUSTOMER DECLINED SERVICE.

So I think they had signs of an upcoming issue but didn't know what it was. When I had the intake off the carbon build up didn't look that bad. I'll update again on Saturday. If it doesn't work I promised the family it's off to the dealer. But they are giving me one more shot

Thanks Mike for all your help.