evoltap

Just purchased a 92 LS400 a few days ago (lifelong toyota fan, first Lexus). SInce then, I have been pouring over CL, trying to fix all the little things on this car. Already addressed the broken tilt steering issue thanks to a thread here, and plan to do the aux in mod from Pure Drifter.

I've searched the CL forum and the web but can't seem to find an exact match for an issue I'm having: about 50% of the time when I start the car, I hear this metal grinding sound from the engine compartment. It sounds like ball bearings in a blender.... If you think of the time from when you turn the key to when you release it back to the "on" position, the grinding happens in the second half of that period....so you here the starter crank 1-2 times, it seems to be happening as the engine starts. Besides this, it starts very well.

Unrelated, but what are people doing about the condition of the leather on these older cars?

Thanks

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

I have this issue on my SC as well. started up every day. Always wondered what it was. Never did I find the solution, but it could be a loose starter, or the starter itself. I would like to see the solution.

The leather seats that show years on them, we, (CL), well most of us, replace. With Lexus, it's go big, or go beater.

evoltap

Thanks, SC400slide

I finally had a friend start it while I stuck my head in the engine compartment.....it seemed to be coming from the engine itself, but from what I understand, the starter is sort of tucked under the engine. I also discovered that if I let off the starter a little earlier (before you hear the engine), it will still start and not make the sound. It almost seems like it's happening in that brief period of time that both the starter and engine are turning....kind of like when you accidentally try to start a car that's already running....

cndnate

I have also noticed the same problem and same solution , I wonder if it is not starter over run