Hey everyone, I just bought a 94 LS400 . I've been trying to get a LS for years now, and my hard work looks to have paid off. I live in SLC ,UT and I'm an apprentice technician.

First off, here is the car.



The car has 139,500 miles on it, and it seems pretty sound. Clean interior, (no ripped up leather)
typical blown hood struts, and it seems like the valves may need adjustment.
Actually, this almost gave me buyers remorse before I read the thread(s) on the issue.
So it ticks away and is faster as you increase the RPM's. I've heard that shims must be used
to accurately adjust them, but measurements need to be taken first.

So two questions:

How difficult is this this to DIY?
How long can i leave it until I really need to do it?

This is by far the best car that I've owned. I plan on going the VIP route with this car, as soon
as everything is fixed.
Thanks in advance to all the users, this forum is VERY resourceful!

 

I think the jury is still out on valve adjustment. I need to do it on mine also. I've got 210,000 on mine and it still runs strong. I dont think its too big a deal. Just do it when ya get time.

 

Tutorial for valve reshim
http://www.lextreme.com/valve_clearance.html

 

Welcome. From what I've read, it hasn't bothered people enough to get it fixed. I'd be more worried about a power steering pump leak.

 

its one of those things you fix when you have nothing else left to fix and a weekend to kill

 

^That's a perfect way to explain it LOL

 

Thanks for the replies. I had figured it was just something that the 4.0's do.

I've read a tutorial, and it looks kinda challenging. The worst part is keeping the engine
apart (or putting it back together) after you get the measurements you need, then
waiting for the shims to show up.

The power steering seems pretty problematic. Between leaking on stuff ,and
solenoids going out, it makes me want to try and do mine before it decides to
do either. I'm glad that it uses Dexron instead of the golden colored PS fluid
cuz its more noticeable when its leaking lol.

 

Congrats on the pick up and welcome!