GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

A recent thread has inspired me to make this thread to show some pics of my starter replacement on my previous 98 LS done a couple of years ago. Feel free to ask any questions, as I hope this may inspire a few wrench turners tackle this inevitable repair on their own. I personally dont have a lot of trust in others working this Intimately on my car. To be honest, there were a lot of aspects that need careful attention and planning, that would otherwise be overlooked by a mechanic with no stake in ownership. A sense of accomplishment at the end, made it all worth it. (along with saving over a grand in labor)

Feel free to ask questions.


Here was my 98LS with a broken starter:



In the process of pulling out the intake manifold:



This was taking more then anticipated, keep in mind i marked every hose and wire, so i dont lose track (i disconnected A LOT of similar looking wires and hoses)



After a whole lot of backpain, I decided to call it a night...



After countless hours of planning, and disassembly, we can finally peak at the starter!!!!!!



Finally gotten the intake manifold off, and the starter is in plain view:



I thought I'd do some house cleaning while the intake is off:



After a couple of hours just to remove two rear bolts, and the coolant pipe, the starter is out:




replacement is in, and the job is finally done!

atoyot

holy hell man! is there no way to get to that sucker from below? I guess not. I would not like to do that job.

Thanks for posting.

chrispy

iTrader: (21)

Replacing the starter on the 1UZ for the lose. Toyota could not find a worse place to put it.

steveski

Great post on changing the starter. Toyota designs great machines and surely had great reasoning as to why the starter is hidden where it is - but wow I agree that it is a PITA. I had mine changed years ago when it was a technical service bulletin. I don't think I would tackle it myself though.

UCF11

1UZ is a wide engine, double over head cam V8, They probley wouldnt fit it in the cars intended if they had a starter out the side. Exhaust is a tight enough fit as it is.

I will agree though, its a bad place for a starter motor either way.

Anyone else got a theory as to why it is where it is?

This is the 1st one I have heard of failing.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

they kept it there to keep it nice and warm .

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

I heard it had to do something with balancing the engine or something? Im honestly not sure, but that is the only thing i've heard about it.

And actually, they commonly fail around 120K.

kens97sto

The Northstar V8 has it betweeen the V also.

I think Toyota did this because it would not fit on the side.. it is pretty tight in there.

Ken

Bradster

Still have the original starter in a 90 LS400 with 240K....lucky i guess

elcid69

there is no room to fit starter in the side of the block. i had to change my starter as well, 98ls400 with 130+ miles. looking at your pixs-didnt have to removed rear coolant pipe-all u need a is a flexible 14mm wrench and long handled 3/8 ratchet...

Blavatsky

mine failed on a 99 LS at about 125k...it was not fun to pay for parts and labor but i still came out for around $700....1/2 of what a dealer would want.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Mine failed somewhere before 80K. I think about 1/3 of us here have had this experience.

qewani1

Grand LS i think this thread is more better since pictures are more clear than yours
Its A GS, any way he just fixed the same starter!
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-s...roblems-2.html

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

thanks for the link. I replaced my contacts at first, but that did not resolve my issue so i replaced the whole starter.

python

iTrader: (4)

hope u replaced the knock sensors and knock sensor connectors while u were in there