Hello Lexus-ers,
I have a 2004 LS430 with around 170,000 thousand miles. I was idle-ing today for about 10 minutes and then my smooth Lexus started gurgling like it had indigestion or burps, so I quickly shut the car off. Then I tried to restart and it would start, but gurgle again, for lack of a better description. Like it wanted to start and go, but it just couldn't do it. It's at a park near my house, which is the good part. The bad part is I left it alone for about 5 hours and just tried to restart it, it cranks, but makes no attempt to start now, I guess in my naive understanding, the engine is not participating in the process anymore.

Anyone have a scattershooting idea what it could be and how much it will cost (in general, would love to know major or minor). I want to get ahead of it before I decide to tow it somewhere and be prepared I guess.

Thanks, much appreciated.

 

Sounds like your fuel pump quit working.

 

Agreed, sounds like a fuel pump failure. Mine did something quite similar, was idling in the Cell Phone lot at PHX waiting for my GF to land, went to pick her up, after leaving the Arrivals area, the car hesitated and stumbled even with WOT (wide open throttle) input, I bumped it into tiptronic mode and downshifted a few times and somehow it picked back up again and drove home fine. The next morning, started the car like normal, was just about to pull out of my neighborhood only to have it die just before making it into the busy street. I rolled it back down the slight hill and had my GF flat tow me the block and a half home. Swapped out the OEM pump with an AEM 340lph upgraded pump I had laying around from one of our surge tanks for our Time Attack cars, wired it in, and was back in business!

Factory pumps were pretty expensive when I checked, and the pump is very similar to the Walbro 255lph / similar style fuel pumps which can be had for ~$100 or so depending where you look.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...ement-fuel.pdf

Page 37 in the above PDF shows the instructions on how to remove the pump assembly.

 

Wow, thanks guys, this is much appreciated, you helped me tremendously.

 

No problem. Just trying to help give back!

 

I found one for $40 shipped on ebay, the whole kit with all the tubes and bag thing etc. I guess this is something that needs a lift or could I ask a mechanic to come do it on the road?

 

No lift required it's accessed under the back seat.
A new OE part from Lexus is approx. $250.
Aftermarket pump made by Delphi, which is a reputable brand, is $160.
I'm not telling you how to spend your money but at $40 bucks you may find yourself in this exact same situation in 6 months...

 

That is solid advice, and I appreciate it. I am probably going to be riding the car until 200,000 then not redo the timing belt, just sell her, so I am ok with a little risk on the part. She's been a great car, but the amplifier went out, the seats are cracking a bit, etc. etc. Time to get a new one. I've had it from 80,000, so I've gotten good use and it's paid off. Overall, a great ownership experience.

 

Well, my part finally came in via Ebay and I went to the car and it started, so that's a decent sign. I am in no way expecting it to be reliable, but starting and driving it back to my house was better than having to call a tow truck.

 

Glad to hear it!

 

You didn't mention whether you installed the pump or not! It sounds as though you didn't install it yet.