katripus

Here's a video. This is definitely the idle control valve right? Can anyone confirm?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ing-bible.html

I bought it used and refilled the steering fluid every 1-2 months. 6 weeks ago, it was every other week. In the past week though, I had to refill it twice around the time when it started to smoke.

Gene01

It certainly sounds like the idle control valve, but you may want to check further.
One other thing - don't wait to fix it or you will also be replacing the alternator due to dripping PS fluid.
From all accounts, that is a very time-consuming job (or expensive if you have it done).

Legender

Easy to verify... disconnect and plug the two lines coming from the PS pump....see if the problem goes away.
I just replaced the unit on my dad's '93 and it fixed the problem. You can either replace it or fix it from what I've seen on the forums...
But definitely do something before you end up replacing the alternator also...

katripus

Ok thanks. What part number is this and what does it look like?

What should I buy for my 1992 Lexus LS400?

Part # 17630-16040



or

Part # 22270-50010


or

Part # 7549-01041810


Thanks, I appreciate this so much. I'm pretty broke, so there's no way I could afford hiring a mechanic and need to order/fix asap.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

or simply plug it up!

see step 15:
http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/steer...mpremoval.html

katripus

I'll plug it since it's way cheaper. Toyota dealership wanted $150 for the Part# 17630-16040.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but

1. Remove the under engine cover / splash guard.
2. Use a 17mm open end wrench to remove the Idle Up Valve (Idle Up Valve is circled in red).
3. Take this Idle Up Valve to a hardware store or somewhere and find an identical threaded and sized bolt to plug the Idle Up Valve hole on the pump.
4. Use high-temp RTV silicone on the threads of the bolt to be sure it wouldn't leak.
5. Remove the two hoses that used connect to the Idle Up Valve prongs and cap off the locations on the block and intake.

On step 5. What and how do I "cap" it off? Thanks

katripus

I found this nice step by step guide https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=343856 .

There is so much information on this stuff, but a lot of it can be so confusing because it's all mixed up and some of it is misinformation / completely off. I'll try to work on my car tomorrow, wish me luck ;D. Much appreciation!

Legender

Plugging it is definitely cheaper... good luck.

sloandlow

I had the same problem with my 92 LS400. I took it the shop and the mechanic told me it was the power steering switch that was causing the white smoke. I guess I was lucky, but he changed it for in all of 2 minutes and I haven't had any problems since!!!

LScowboyLS

better heed this advice, PS fluid will definitely kill an alternator quickly and plugging up the source of the smoke is not going to fix a leak, just the smoke, so if you still have spots on the pavement after you plug up the IACV part, you better find the leak or it is alternator time


the alternator is actually a really easy job labor-wise, but no reason to blow $200 for an alternator that he doesn't need if we just fix the source of puddles on the ground

Gene01

LScowboyLS: Thanks for the first-hand informaiton. I was going on hearsay.

LScowboyLS

the only difficult part at all is getting the dang 3 wire Toyota alternator connector off without breaking it to shreds, which is very common when they haven't been off in 16 years and are frozen on, this results in a trip to the local pull-a-part junkyard. Thankfully, Toyota used this same 3-wire connector on many vehicles including trucks and SUV's on the alternator and other things, since it is not available to buy at the dealership or the auto parts store. So have your soldering iron ready for some upside-down "hot lead in your face" work to reattach your new junkyard acquired pigtail!-

rljmusic

I see a lot of stuff talkin about using a bolt to plug the air control valve and also other stuff on welding the part of the air control valve. No one mentions the pitch, length and thread count and diameter so when you have to send a runner to get a bolt you will have proper specs. i know about using teflon tape on this I know it is a 17MM head o the bolt and that it is metric threads. This is important stuff to know and since my pitch gauge is not in the same state I am it is even more important to know this stuff. The sucky weld has a crack in it and this is where the fluid leaks out so a bolt shall take its place and the leak stops

Craigls400

This forum has been great help and i always read up on tech discussion about the 96 lexus ls400

Amskeptic

I would like to offer a correction in the The First Gen Power Steering Bible thread.
Chapter 2 Verse 3 states:
No. It doesn't.
Steering feel is regulated by the solenoid valve at the steering rack, taking its orders from the PS ECU.

The Idle Control Valve is a simple elegant idle speed booster that allows more air into the engine to prevent the power steering load at full lock from pulling down the idle speed.

Because it is opened by hydraulic pressure, you bet it will throw a smoke screen if it leaks fluid into the intake manifold.

I am of the mind that ripping that valve off without understanding what it does in the first place is a slap in the face of that billion dollar engineering exercise that gave us the LS400 in the first place.
ColinJustAnOldBiddy