Opinions needed on 1997 ls400
03-16-18, 07:22 PM
#1
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Opinions needed on 1997 ls400
So I took my ls400 in to toyota for hesitation at idle. They claim that there are two things wrong that need to be replaced spark plug wires, and timing belt water pump combo. Both costing a lot of money. What are you guys opinions on this. Also power steering pump has a leak and oil pan gasket is causing an oil leak.
Whats some guidance.
Whats some guidance.
03-16-18, 10:01 PM
#2
That's up to what you are willing to spend in maintenance. If those are the only issues to fix, you are in pretty good shape. These are good cars when well cared for and members can keep them going long term. The other is what a replacement car is going to cost.
Timing belt service is about $800-$1,400, call around to some independent Lexus shops. Make sure to inquire about which parts they will be using. If this is at the lower $ end they may be using aftermarket. Have the distributor caps and rotors changed at the same time.
Spark plug wires are ~$80 and can be a DIY in an hour some odd.
If doing that, may as well change the spark plugs X8:
For the most part the oil pan seal is pretty good. Often the valve cover gasket seals are leaking causing oil to migrate down around the block and drip off. The PS pump is common and a rebuild is about $175-$225 from an independent.
My 200K service was about the same price the car is valued at. Timing belt, new radiator, valve cover gaskets replaced, transmission selector shaft seal (leaking some tranny fluid from that aged seal), new plugs, wires, caps, rotors and some other misc stuff was done.
Timing belt service is about $800-$1,400, call around to some independent Lexus shops. Make sure to inquire about which parts they will be using. If this is at the lower $ end they may be using aftermarket. Have the distributor caps and rotors changed at the same time.
Spark plug wires are ~$80 and can be a DIY in an hour some odd.
If doing that, may as well change the spark plugs X8:
For the most part the oil pan seal is pretty good. Often the valve cover gasket seals are leaking causing oil to migrate down around the block and drip off. The PS pump is common and a rebuild is about $175-$225 from an independent.
My 200K service was about the same price the car is valued at. Timing belt, new radiator, valve cover gaskets replaced, transmission selector shaft seal (leaking some tranny fluid from that aged seal), new plugs, wires, caps, rotors and some other misc stuff was done.
03-16-18, 11:05 PM
#3
Describe hesitation at idle i.e. is it running rough or missing, etc... so we can help you solve & fix your problem. If a simple tuneup is all you need then you can save lots of money by doing the work yourself providing that you're mechanical incline & have some basic tools.
03-17-18, 03:56 AM
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Thanks I appreciate it
That's up to what you are willing to spend in maintenance. If those are the only issues to fix, you are in pretty good shape. These are good cars when well cared for and members can keep them going long term. The other is what a replacement car is going to cost.
Timing belt service is about $800-$1,400, call around to some independent Lexus shops. Make sure to inquire about which parts they will be using. If this is at the lower $ end they may be using aftermarket. Have the distributor caps and rotors changed at the same time.
Spark plug wires are ~$80 and can be a DIY in an hour some odd.
https://www.amazon.com/NGK-TE119-Spa...Alexus%3Als400
If doing that, may as well change the spark plugs X8:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For the most part the oil pan seal is pretty good. Often the valve cover gasket seals are leaking causing oil to migrate down around the block and drip off. The PS pump is common and a rebuild is about $175-$225 from an independent.
My 200K service was about the same price the car is valued at. Timing belt, new radiator, valve cover gaskets replaced, transmission selector shaft seal (leaking some tranny fluid from that aged seal), new plugs, wires, caps, rotors and some other misc stuff was done.
Timing belt service is about $800-$1,400, call around to some independent Lexus shops. Make sure to inquire about which parts they will be using. If this is at the lower $ end they may be using aftermarket. Have the distributor caps and rotors changed at the same time.
Spark plug wires are ~$80 and can be a DIY in an hour some odd.
https://www.amazon.com/NGK-TE119-Spa...Alexus%3Als400
If doing that, may as well change the spark plugs X8:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For the most part the oil pan seal is pretty good. Often the valve cover gasket seals are leaking causing oil to migrate down around the block and drip off. The PS pump is common and a rebuild is about $175-$225 from an independent.
My 200K service was about the same price the car is valued at. Timing belt, new radiator, valve cover gaskets replaced, transmission selector shaft seal (leaking some tranny fluid from that aged seal), new plugs, wires, caps, rotors and some other misc stuff was done.
Its pricey but you are right on point.
03-17-18, 03:59 AM
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It’s pulsating
Describe hesitation at idle i.e. is it running rough or missing, etc... so we can help you solve & fix your problem. If a simple tuneup is all you need then you can save lots of money by doing the work yourself providing that you're mechanical incline & have some basic tools.
03-17-18, 09:47 AM
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03-17-18, 12:33 PM
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ok so you think toyota would have this issue? If it’s not running properly they’d figure out how to fix it right?
03-17-18, 12:38 PM
#10
The way the wires run can be confusing due to the way the distributor routes them across the engine. Fortunately we have diagrams and I'll use Billy's:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ml#post8889337
The caps are numbered for the respective side so that helps too. Match the cyl numbers and you'll be good. Take a picture how the wires are in the loom holders because a slight change they may be difficult to put the covers on if not aligned just right.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ml#post8889337
The caps are numbered for the respective side so that helps too. Match the cyl numbers and you'll be good. Take a picture how the wires are in the loom holders because a slight change they may be difficult to put the covers on if not aligned just right.
03-17-18, 03:07 PM
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03-19-18, 12:23 PM
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why not start with the easy stuff and replace the spark plugs first. if that does not change anything then work your way up to the plug wires afterward.
I find that plugs are bad before the plug wires are.
then of course you have the caps/rotors which do get corroded as well.
easy stuff first before the big stuff like an entire timing belt change!
I find that plugs are bad before the plug wires are.
then of course you have the caps/rotors which do get corroded as well.
easy stuff first before the big stuff like an entire timing belt change!
03-19-18, 01:01 PM
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Thank you
why not start with the easy stuff and replace the spark plugs first. if that does not change anything then work your way up to the plug wires afterward.
I find that plugs are bad before the plug wires are.
then of course you have the caps/rotors which do get corroded as well.
easy stuff first before the big stuff like an entire timing belt change!
I find that plugs are bad before the plug wires are.
then of course you have the caps/rotors which do get corroded as well.
easy stuff first before the big stuff like an entire timing belt change!
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