I am debating about selling my 92 LS400 with 165,000 in the fall.

She is due for a timing belt. I am concerned that after spending $600 for the timing belt at a local shop... I could lose the A/C in the near future.

My thinking is this could be a good time to upgrade. However, other than needing a heater control valve (and slowly losing coolant) she runs like a champ.

Perhaps this could be question to put to a poll:

I own a first generation Lexus (specify make) and the AC has failed/required work. Mileage: _________

or

I own a first generation Lexus (specify make) that the AC still blows cold and has not required work. Mileage ___________

 

The ac problem on the 1LS is very common. I 'm surprise your AC last this long without any problem. The most common are the evaporator/expansion valve and the compressor leaking freon.

 

Yeah, I have read about quite a few AC failures on the LS 1's, but I have to wonder how many out there have yet to have an AC problem? Perhaps it's a case of the squeaky compressor getting all the attention while the trouble free AC's get no notice...

Would love to see a lot of feedback on this...

Can't remember how to do an official poll...

 

92 SC4 with 90K miles, A/C never worked on (to my knowledge, and I've had it for 8 years), and still working fine. I run the A/C for a minute every week or so in the winter- maybe that has helped.

 

I can also add more to this...

92 SC3 - 71K - AC replaced by former owner at 60K

93 SC4 - 94K - AC works fine

& as previously mentioned...

92 LS - 165K - so far so good...

(I just realized the SC's mileage combined = the LS's mileage)

 

Face UT,

Just curious but is this your first TB change for your LS?

My 94 LS 1, has 172,000 miles & just had it's first major maintenance which inluded a new TB, water pump, all new tensioners& pulleys as well as fan support bracket & fan clutch.

My AC works just fine in the Texas Heat and all I have ever done is top it off w R134 once last year. My power steering compnents are all original as well.

I have often wondered if a "preventative" compressor change was worthwhile w our systems before the effects of compressor "Black Death" contaminate the entire AC system.

You are wise to be concerned. I would estimate that my Fathers 90 LS has had $3000 spent on it over the years in AC work in it's 212,000 miles. Some Dealer maintenace pricing, some not.

The "Big Three" maintenace items for an LS seem to be AC / Power Steering / Suspension in the form of control arms etc.

Auto AC FAQ link:
http://www.griffiths.com/achelp/achelp4.html

damon

BTW: Heater control Valve was replaced at: 128,595

 

Damon,

Sorry for the delay in responding to your questions... just returned from a short vacation.

This is indeed the first TB service to be performed. I have been quoted $5-600 from local shop that would do the TB, other belts, water pump & tensioners. Seems pretty fair...

She's all original - suspension, power steering, TB, AC components... hence my concern.

It's hard to consider selling the car, because it's in such good shape. However, I am beginning to think the $2-3K in upcoming potential maintenance might better be spent on a newer model...

 

If that price includes all the parts than I would have to say that price is amazing.

I am one step ( & 7500 miles or so) ahead of you in terms of having done the TB maintenance. I am now committed to driving my LS "till death to us part". Hopefully she goes before me.

My thought on the AC is to buy a new compressor when I set some money aside & therefore control my cost as much as possible when time comes for it's replacement.

To any AC gurus: Can we use the same 10PA20C compressors that Acura uses & just change the fan clutch to a 6 groove that our version has?

Our cars are of a similar year & mileage but I would suggest there are two seperate methodologies to calculate our vehicles value. There is what you could actually sell our cars for, not much, and there is what we would have to spend on something newer that drives as nice.

 

Would love to know the finances involved in your AC solution once you find out..

I will definitely replace the LS with another LS.