mgartin

I recently bought a 96 ls400 with 28,000 miles. It has not had the timing belt changed yet. Can I get a few more thousand miles out of it before changing? I know time/age is a factor for this. Thanks!

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

you have to ask?? 19 years old?

Gene01

You probably already know that you have an interfering engine, meaning that if the timing belt breaks the valves run into the pistons. The damage is so great that you either have to rebuild or replace the engine.
The LS400 factory timing belt is very robust, but in my opinion, it would be time to replace it.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Congrats on the LS. The gamble is yours. On a low driven car with this age, my first trip would be to the shop for the 60K and 90K interval maintenance. All fluids and though the water pump may be ok with such low miles, since you need the timing belt, just as well swap it out. Not sure on the cam seals so that would be at your/mechanics discretion.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

and there is a boat load of good information, plus Welcome to the club, post some photos as soon as you can so we can drool over 28k too...

dicer

That sounds like a nice car with that low mileage good find. Is it in good shape? I think I would be for changing the timing belt.

mgartin

Thanks for the advice, I'm planning on doing it real soon. It's in great shape, like a time capsule. I did have to go through the power steering, I used Neofates bible. That was a great help. I appreciate this forum and thanks for the welcome everybody!

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

28,000? Are you missing a zero?

mgartin

28k actual miles.
Grandma car from Florida.