Superfast1

Has anyone replaced your starter on a 98 to 00 LS400? I've heard it's much easier to replace than the older models as the upper plenum & lower intake manifold can be removed as 1-piece & the fuel rails can stay in tact as well . Is this true?

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Yes I remove the intake in one piece with the rails still attached.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

yep, and I could have used my original gaskets if I hadn't already bought new ones.. piece of cake... search for others post..

Superfast1

I've recently replaced the starter on my 97 LS400 & it was very difficult due to the placements of some of the components i.e the ECU harness & the 2nd EGR flex pipe over the rear water bypass/bridge. It's good to know the newer ones are easier as I've just acquired a pristine & very low mileage 2000 LS400 with a bad starter. Thanks.

Superfast1

I've just removed the plenum/intake manifold & the failed starter from my newly acquired 2000 LS400. Unlike the 90-97, where the vacuum switch valve is mounted on the side of the engine (driver side), the 2000 has the switch mounted underneath the plenum/intake manifold along w/ a few rubber vacuum hoses. I don't think it's the best place for these parts as they'll be cooked & without hardly any air circulation. Does anyone know if these are special or just regular rubber hoses? If so, should I replace the hoses w/ new ones before I re-assemble everything back in 1 piece? Please advise.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

I done mine in 2010 and did not replace any of them (mine is a 99) 7 years later @ 210k, it is doing fine..... just enjoy the best auto ever built.

Superfast1

Billy, I've just checked the switch & all the hoses. They look brand new. These hoses must be made out of some special rubber to withstand the high heat. I'll leave everything as is. Thanks.

Superfast1

I've successfully removed/replaced the bad starter w/ a brand new one. Car starts right up so no more starting issue. As stated, this is my 2nd starter replacement w/ the 1st one being a 97 LS400. The removal & installation process for the 2000 is much easier than the 1997 as the plenum/intake manifold can be removed as 1-piece & also there is no EGR flex pipe interfering w/ the rear water bypass/bridge. For those of you that are having issue & planning to remove/replace the starter yourself, make sure to buy & use new gaskets for the intake manifold, throttle body & especially the 2 gaskets for the rear water bypass/bridge as this is a big job so you want to do it right the 1st time.

Sherl

Have part number for gaskets please?

Also is there any instruction you found on the forum?? I need to replace the knock sensors in mine.