turbo556

Hey guys I have a 2000 LS400 VVti engine...

I am doing the timing belt today...just want to confirm.....

With these engines I set the crank at TDC via the crank pulley lining up with the 0....at this time the cam pulley notches should line up with the "|" to the left of the "T" mark....is this correct?

I then take the belt off and put the new one one lining the belt marks up with the crank marks and the | mark and well as lining the belt mark up with the mark on the crankshaft sprocket...

Is there anything else to this? Any tips or pointers....I have read several threads I just wanna make sure these rules apply to my car...

Thanks again and let me know
Turbo

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

here is the process for 98-2000. with special thanks to Landar

moat

Thank you for those pictures billyd. Can you provide a link for this job for 1st gen LS? In addition, I would like to see R/R of cam and crank seals.

steve2006

!st Gen TB

http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/engine/timingbelt.html

Although for the LS430 the later Ls400 engine is similar so this may also help

http://www.shastaanesthesia.com/Lexus/Page1.html

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

You do NOT want to change the CAM seals, unless they are leaking, because you have to remove the camshafts, and that is a whole other ballgame...... the crankshaft seal, just pop it out with a screwdriver and tap it in.

Steve gave you the 1st gen tutorial ..

moat

I have asked, and have read here on CL, about the two cam seals for 1LS. I was told more than once the cam seals are really simple to do for first generation LS (1990-94) when the timing belt is off. Sometime after 95 they changed the engine and it takes more effort to change the cam seals.

moat

Ooops, never mind. I see this thread is regarding the 2000 LS.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

yep, 90-97 all the same, 98-2000 VERY different.

turbo556

@Billyd that was an awesome and complete write up! Thanks!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

added this to the FAQ, very nice.

moat

turbo: A friendly reminder to replace that $8 crankshaft seal. You might not open this up again for 10 years.

The timing belt of my 1LS was done 30k miles ago and that $8 seal was not replaced, now I have to wait another 7+ years to stop my oil leak. It's a small leak, but they should have taken care of this $8 item, ~ 15 minutes labor, when the timing belt was off. (same with the two cam seals for 90-97 LS since they are just as easy to replace)

I see many timing belt DIY on the web, and here on CL, but people don't mention this hard-to-get-to $8 crank seal. I am not sure why.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

that's because the front crank seal isn't a common issue, though the rear main seal is.

moat

I think I now understand what the rear main seal is:

http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/trans...n/removal.html

I now wonder if I have a leak there. I do see couple small drops on the ground in that area. How long typically before that seal begins to leak? (in no very cold climate area)

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

that is one of those questions where the answer is: "you will know" , because it is not really time, mileage, or speed related, but any of those could affect it. could have been a minor flaw on either the seal or the finish on the main. they are not built to fail, but to last,

moat

1) Thank you for the info regarding the main rear seal, that is good to know. What about the front cam and crank seals for 1LS? Are they of the same nature or do they start to leak after certain mileage? Which one first typically, crank or cam?

2) What's the safe way to clean an engine? Is it ok to take it to a detail shop for them to wash it? If so, what should we be careful about? If I am to do it myself, spraying degreaser here and there, and rinse, any advise on methods and procedures? (common sense tells me to do this when the engine is cool/cold and then immediately drive it for a while after it's been wet -- to dry everything up quickly)