My starter is going on my 1998 SC400. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good mechanic in or near Long Beach, California? This is a great car and I cannot bear the thought of a hack working on it. Thanks!

 

The starter replacement on any 1UZ-FE engine will be an involved job unfortunately. The top intake has to be removed and a lot of hardware has to be removed to get to the center valley of the "V" of your V8 engine to access that starter. As such, it's very highly recommended that you replace the valve cover gaskets and a couple of hard to get to hoses located within that valley at the same time that any starter motor replacement will be done.

I unfortunately don't don't of any mechanics I can recommend in the Long Beach area. I liked Kerechuk Automotive in Alhambra but they are now shuttered. When I was last in L.A. I was really happy getting my SC serviced with Tyerman's Automotive in Burbank and still highly recommend them if they're convenient for anyone but they will be a long drive away for you.

Alternative to that and *not* too far from you is Carson Toyota with whom I also had very good experience getting my SC300 serviced in the past. However you'll have to call in to their service department and double check to make sure that they'll still work on Lexus badged vehicles. I have found that within California some Toyota dealers are very particular about whether or not they'll perform any work on Lexus models... even if the customer's Lexus model has an identical or very similar drivetrain to some Toyota model.

The 1UZ-FE V8 in your '98 SC400 has the same general engine architecture as a 4.7L UZ V8 Toyota truck or SUV so it really isn't that much of a jump so long as the techs can access the same Toyota TIS shop manual documents for your SC400. It's more a question of politics when seeking service from a Toyota dealer for a Lexus model.

It's worth a call and a try. Carson's service department was always good to me with my SC and their parts department folks always go above and beyond to try help me find whatever I needed. They should still be able to order Lexus parts just the same as Toyota parts.

 

Thanks for your detailed reply. I have the manual for my car and I can certainly see how involved this is- estimates I have seen (on this board) are about 5 hours for a good mechanic. I think I will shy away from dealerships as the old pocket book is on the empty side these days. If I had a place to work on it I would def have at it myself.

 

I understand. If you are looking for workshop space and the distance isn’t a problem, take a look at Your Dream Garage. Two locations: one in Fullerton and one in Rosemead.

I have used them before with my own SC repairs and they are an excellent fully equipped DIY work garage if you can be efficient with your time.

https://urdreamgarage.com/

 

Thanks! Not too bad of a drive, from where I am in LB it is 32 minutes (21 miles) to get there most days using 405/710/91. Bit of a parking lot through Bellflower right now but nothing out of the usual. With no Sig Alerts this would be an easy drive on the regular, and if a nightmare 405/605/91 would be a prudent option but as we all know anything can happen on the 605- and all too frequently does. Just throwing in the old SoCal freeway overshare that you may not have heard for awhile and I hope you enjoyed it, ha ha.
But seriously, I will drive by and check them out, providing my car starts of course- Doh!

 

Since my service provider closed a year ago, I'm in the same situation. I am giving ACA (5101 E. Willow in Long Beach) a try. They've done good work on one other vehicle and I'm now having them look into a couple of issues with my '99 SC400. You can give them a call/drive by...speak to Adam Kalb, President.

 

Thanks, I used ACA on Willow for my smog test, decent outfit.
I ended up going with Don and Harold's on Wardlow. They did a good job and are within walking distance so it was convenient, but like any job done by a mechanic the bill was high enough to induce a moment of leglessness. The DIY shop recommended would have been a good option but logistically it was difficult. One of the things I always rue about living in our fine state is the sky high cost of living- in a different state I could find apt/affordable housing with a good garage and do these automotive fixes myself. These old Lexuses are so well built they deserve to be maintained and the best way to keep them on the road is to keep costs down on what can be very expensive repairs and do the work yourself. This car still runs like it is new with 170K on it.

 

I think Wesley is on ClubLexus but spends what little free time he has on Instagram (bambam562). In any case, he worked on both my son's '95 SC400 and my '99 SC400. He has a GS300. Great work at his shop, Mineke in Torrance.

Auto Repair near Torrance | Meineke #2224 | Oil Change Brakes Mufflers