c50sooner

Hey guys, at my wit's end trying to get the upper intake separated from the lower. Have all the perimeter bolts/nuts out, but there is an "Actuator" on the back side that is holding it together.

From looking at the attached section of the manual, looks like three nuts have to come out to get the actuator off the upper intake, but I'm having no luck getting access to the driver side nut.

I know this can't be this hard, is there some trick I'm missing to getting the manifold separated? I've been trying to get that nut out using as many different angles and tools as I can dream up, but to no avail. Not to mention, I have no idea how I'll get it back on from the front when re-assembling it.

Thanks for any tips.....

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

what are you driving? mine shows 3 nuts....... see 57

c50sooner

Sorry, its a 1998 LS400....

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

never tried to separate them, removed intake when we repaired the starter, if you cant get it off, you might have to remove the whole thing...
my book reads just like yours, "just remove the three nuts"

good luck, if you figure it out, post it!!



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c50sooner

I know this is an old thread, but just wanted to go ahead and post the solution in case anybody looks this up in the future.

Two of the three nuts are pretty easily removed, the third one, at about 7 o'clock position looking from drivers seat, is hard to get to. Took trying a lot of different tools/hand placements to get it off.

Anyway, what ended up working for me was a small low profile ratchet with a short socket, loosened the nut reaching in from the top straight down, while reaching in from the drivers side of the manifold with the other hand to keep the socket on the nut. It was simple after I figured that out, just took a lot of trial and error and late night frustration to get there.

Hope that helps somebody, best wishes to all you Lexus DIY maintainers out there, and thanks for all the helpful posts.

secolor

Can you recommend a way of getting the Intake Manifold Assembly to break loose. All 2 bolts and 4 nuts have been removed and it will not come loose. Is there a safe means of breaking this loose on a 1998 LS400?

LScowboyLS

I whack it from different angles with a rubber mallet, or one of those dead blow hammers filled with bb's - just make SURE you have all of the fasteners out

try and resist the urge to insert a screwdriver into the sealing surface, you will just be making a permanent leak point

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

there's more than that. you missed some.

cobalt91

Drifter is right. On my 91 its like ten or twelve fasteners holding the upper manifold down.

LScowboyLS

I don't think he literally meant 2 bolts, I just assumed he had a typo for 12 or 20 or something and didn't take what he wrote literally - but sometimes they can be stuck on good with all fasteners out and you have to whack 'em with a rubber mallet a few times!

secolor

You guys have really helped me with this o-to-difficult-starter replacement on the LS400, 1998 with 286,000 miles...first time to replace the starter. Couple of months ago replaced the alternator. What an great car this has been, the absolute best I have ever owned. Gave up on Mercedes and Volvo, for good. Olds, Ford, MGA, Dodge were OK. Use Honda's in my business and they have been great.

Now trying to figure out everything that needs replacing. I know all the hoses need replacing. Have only replaced one electronic ignition. Change oil ever 3,000 and transmission ever 15,000 do it all myself.

I thought about buying the new Lexus but it looks like it is trying to catch its breath with the new grill. Wish I could buy another new LS400. Great engine, great body style...not a very intelligent design on the starter setup. It's almost like an after thought.

The torque bolts on the Manifold were covered with crud and didn't see them. Also, my Lexus service manual does not show them in the illustrations.

Replaced with new starter which listed for $220... with discount and $50 dollar coupon was able to get it for $108 which includes freight and 7% local tax from Advanced Auto. The manufacturer shipped direct to me in GA.

Thanks for your help. Your guys are great.