westopill

So occasionally when I start the car, I get a puff of smoke that has a burnt smell to it. Just today I decided to look at the exhaust to see if it was smoking and took a video of what I saw. To me it doesn't look like a bad head gasket, but I smelled the exhaust and it smells like it could be power steering fluid? I should mention that whenever I fill the coolant to the cold level, after driving a while the level goes down about an inch under the cold fill and stays there. Could a thermostat that's stuck open be the cause? Only reason I ask is because my thermostat is indeed stuck open. I added prestone coolant flush to the system since I'll be changing out the coolant in a few days. Is this normal for a 23 year old LS400?

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

in my eyes that's normal, regular condensation at start up. I get drips of water too! the typical issue with 1st gen cars is the idle up valve (aka air control valve, idle control valve) cracking on the power steering pump and allowing PS fluid to enter the intake tract and burn. check your PS fluid levels to see any abnormal consumption.

here is how to plug it!
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ystem-diy.html

westopill

I figured it was nothing too serious. I have noticed a small leak on my driveway from the power steering, and since the alternator and power steering pump were replaced about 5000 miles ago, the IAC is likely the culprit. How long would it take a backyard mechanic like myself to plug the IAC?

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

it really depends on your skillset and tool availability, but plan accordingly and it should be done within an afternoon!