steedls400

I've a 1997 LS400 with 246K miles, regular serviced and meticulously maintained. A month ago I heard from inside the cabin a humming coming from under the hood while on the freeway. The temp. gauge was showing it was running warmer then normal (1/2 up to 3/4). I pulled off to a gas station, and checked under the hood leaving the engine running. I noticed the sound was coming from the cooling fan and it had a minuscule wobble. I banged on the center of the fan assembly and the sound stopped, fan continued. I immediately called my mechanic and he explained it was probably the fan clutch going out, to just keep an eye on the temperature in-case the fan quit altogether. Been 4-5 weeks, still runs but when on, it makes the noise/wobble. Was quoted $250 to replace clutch fan assembly. I'll be replacing it this week.

In the mean time, 2 weeks ago, when I turned the key over I started to hear almost a grinding sound and a delay in the engine starting. Took it to my mechanic and he said he did a amp draw rear on it and its pulling 180amps to start, 2x the amperage and it's a matter of time before it fails... Does this sound right?

Quoted $950 for both jobs, which includes parts, new seals and labor (7hrs)

I've had every repair done prior to them causing more damage and I plan to do the same here. Just hate the big bills but LOVE the car too much

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

with the fan off, feel the hub it mounts on it should not have any wobble, if so replace it, it could be your problem.

steedls400

I'm referring to the cooling fan in front of the radiator, I believe the fan you're referring to is behind...

dicer

The fan clutch is on that part Billy showed you, if its an electric fan in front there is no clutch just a motor. So I guess your mechanic really isn't one then?

I thought the lexus starter was about 3 hp if so that is normal current. You likely have a crusty solenoid contactor. Though I would not just fix that problem the starter needs to be rebuilt. Too much work for just a new contactor. Billy will say otherwise, but he has free mechanic service.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

You nailed it dicer, all tho Jon is in the hospital right now, and I feel like I need a lot of 200000 service done..
but I will say this we have never had a starter go out on us... my 99 was done in 2010 and it is still going strong. but I see your point.. if you are not a DIY get the starter..

ps: you should get on the Lexus owners club also, you are good at helping others
[url]http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I believe he's already over there Billy.

scunyon

Had to get my starter done and it cost me a pretty penny. But I also got new intake and valve cover gaskets and the spark plug tube seals. Luckily when my starter completely gave out I was at home. Took me almost 30 minutes to get it rubbing and when I got it running took it straight to the shop.

steedls400

Clearly a case of miss communication. You are right it is the electrical fan. I believe my lack of mechanical knowledge led my mechanic to think it was the other fan I was talking about over the phone when the problem occurred.

I am taking the car in tomorrow for them to actually look at it. I will be sure to bring up the solenoid contactor. Thank you for the insight

I've always trusted my mechanic, he worked on my 1971 GTO when I still had it, always great work. Lately, it's been his employees performing the work on my Lexus though... I'm starting to wonder about the integrity of his staff... if it is just a solenoid and not the starter...

Thanks you guys for chiming in.