LS4001UZPW

So I'm looking at getting a 91 LS400. Spoke with the seller. Everything comes out clean and good so far. No power steering leaks. The cars timing belt was changed back in 2011 when it had 148K miles. Now, it's got 165K.

I'm wondering, with all normal conditions, even though the car put on low miles since the belt change, it's been more than four years since. Would that be a concern? Is there a high chance that belt can go bad just because it's been driven very less in a long amount of time? Recommend visually inspecting the belt? Just wanna get some advice before I actually go see it myself. Any thoughts?

P.S. sorry messed up on title.

djamps

Interval is 90k mi or 6 years. You're under both. Visually inspecting is def. recommended but it's a pain to get to, not something you would do pre-purchase due to the amount of labor and wrenching. That said my latest belt has 90k and 10 years on it... still holding up lol.

The good thing about your model year is a non-interference engine... so if the belt pops it won't damage the engine internally.

dicer

If its a cheap old car why worry about the belt? Like everyone says if you want a better LS with better gas mileage get a 98 or newer. And they don't cost much more than the older ones and have more features.

LS4001UZPW

Yeah, know about the non-interference on these years. Kinda why I chose to stick with these years. I had issues with a 95 model. But never really had major issues besides the power steering. But thanks for that info.

LS4001UZPW

Well yeah cheap and I wanted it to stay that way lol. Don't wanna get into replacing timing belt just after buying it.

But I didn't know the 98-2000 gets better mpg. I've definitely seen them go for almost the same price as some of the 90-94 goes. But good to know. I haven't done much homework with the newer LS models. Thanks.

djamps

VVT-i really helps in the efficiency department.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

yep 98-2000 is a all around great car.... mine has 196+k and still runs like new.. quiet as a mouse..

AandSC

My timing belt is 16 years old.....I wouldn't worry if I was you.

Dylroberts

My timing belt went for 15 years (102,000 miles) before I decided to get it replaced.
-2000 LS400

Losiracer2

I would just drive until you feel comfortable. If it breaks, the worst case is just a tow to a local garage or your home to get it fixed. Non interference is a good advantage of the 90-94 models, don't really have to worry as much.

I would just periodically check under the covers for any cracking and if its obvious that its about to go, change it.

I would still do it around the 100k mile mark regardless though.

Legender

I'd just drive it... I've got 36k on my Honda Valkyrie with the same timing belt and it's almost 18 years old... I know car vs motorcycle, but you get the idea.
I'm with Billy... have 207K on my new to me 98 and after some maintenance upkeep items, runs like new and use it as my daily driver...when I don't take the Miata.. :-)

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

timing belt is fine. i worry about mileage over age. age is more of a factor in states that see high temp fluctuations and extreme temps. but even then, it's hard to say since the belt is internal not exposed to the elements.

a good quick check is to see the condition of the serpentine belt (though of course this assume it was only replaced with the timing belt, and not done sooner).

cbrkat28

Having owned a '94 and also living in a place where the summer temps can reach 110F and winter temps can dip to around 10F (both excluding heat index and wind chill) imo both matter, but the way someone drives and how they treat their car has a much greater effect on what might need to be replaced.