Hi! My 1998 ls 400 failed emissions and was told I had to change the CAM PHASER. Never heard of such a thing and can't find this part any where? Has any one ever had this problem? If so please let me know . Thanks!!

 

Perhaps they meant cam sensor, unless they were also trying to sell you muffler bearings and headlight fluid...?

 

Welcome to Club Lexus.

What part of the emissions test did the car fail? By posing the measured readings we can advise more.

 

I have never heard of a word "cam phaser" but I assume that the guy meant to say a mechanism which changes the cam phase = cam timing = VVT. When VVT malfunctions, the cam overlap timing becomes not as it should be. For an example, models after 98 control the cam overlap timing precisely to increase the power and to reduce the NOx. Also this makes it possible to eliminate EGR pipe which recirculates the exhaust gas. Your cam timing is not good enough I assume.

 

sounds like a weapon...news flash, man shot with cam phaser..more at 11

 

ive heard the word cam phaser in relation to Ford engines. never an import.

 

I think Yamae wins a cigar. Sounds like VVT. There are Oil Control Valve (OCV) solenoids that sometimes get sticky and need cleaning or replaced. Any codes?

 

Thanks YAMAE! that sounds like my problem!!! How would something like that be fixed or replaced?

 

Ha ha ha!

Does the car drive okay? Any bucking or lack of power?

Just from several other Toyota's/Lexus's i've seen, it's fairly obvious when the VVTi system starts screwing up, as the car will usually run funny... I've never dealt with a 1UZFE with it though...

 

Seen the term mentioned for Alfa Romeo and on Ferrari engines as a Variator but on the Lexus engine it is as Yamae describes, similar systems different names.
I seem to remember Billy doing the job on one of his.

 

Lady, IF the VVT filters or solenoids being dirty is your problem, then this DIY may be helpful -> https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ement-diy.html

 

Thanks Randal! I printed this out and will take it to my mechanic! I appreciate the help and seriousness you helped me with just would like to add that the car really doesn't run that bad maybe a little sluggish when taking off but none the less seems to be a smooth and nice ride. but like I said it failed to emisions test and that was were the problem lies. I will look into this more and hope this is what was needed. Thank you again!

 

Yoshiman, my car is not bucking or acting funny, this I would recognize.. maybe a little sluggish but not very noticeable. Not sure what the hahaha is for not thinking this is all that funny. I just thought I could get a few suggestions from helpful people. Which I did, Thanks Yamae and Randal.

 

Hi Mike, The code is P1349 on the Snap-On scanner. Maybe you know what this manufacturer specific code means. I need to have this fixed so the check engine light will go off so I will pass CT emissions...Thank you any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated! ~ 1998 LS400

 

P1349 Toyota - Variable Valve Timing System Malfunction Bank 1
Commonly this is the OCV-oil control valve-filter

This thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...vt-filter.html