Hey guys, I have a question. My 98 GS300 is in need of a waterpump ( I have 80k on it). I know that they change the timing belt/chain too when that is done, so I'm gonna do that as well. A mechanic I know stated that when you get a waterpump/timing chain, it doesn't necessarily have to be a "genuine Toyota part". Is this true?

 

First off, The Lexus engine has a timing BELT in the GS300 and 400/430, and that belt actually turns the water pump. If you have a Lexus that needs a water pump at 80,000 miles, chances are that the red toyota coolant was allowed to deteriorate and eat up the seals. Did the pump leak on the timing belt, or is there a noise in the water pump area? When I changed my water pump and timing belt at 90,000 miles, I felt my pump could have gone another 90,000 miles with no problem. There was no scum or sludge in the system at all, and the coolant was BRIGHT red. It was changed every 30,000 miles. How many times was the coolant changed on the 98 GS? Could it still have some of the original red coolant in it?

The car is 8 years old, and could have been in service for 9 years. It doesn't have a lot of miles for an 8 or 9 year old car, and has probably been sitting quite a bit during its' life. This is the first water pump I have heard of that needed to be changed before the timing belt wore out, or had less than 90,000 miles. Has anyone else ever lost a water pump on a GS in 80,000 miles? I think that someone in the forums lost a water pump in the past, but I don't think it was in less than 90,000 miles.

It is true that you don't have to use factory TOYOTA parts, but why wouldn't you? They are not that expensive if you get them at the right place. Some TOYOTA dealership's parts department sell LEXUS parts. Carson Toyota is one that comes to mind. Clublexus has Lexus dealerships that sell original parts at a discount.

In my opinion, if you really want true peace of mind, PLEASE use the factory belt and water pump. And use the RED TOYOTA COOLANT. They are PROVEN reliable, and the only items I trust inside my engine. If the timing belt breaks, or the water pump seizes, it will do a lot of damage to the drivetrain. I also have not heard of anyone breaking one of these factory belts either. I would consider an aftermarket serpentine belt outside the engine, but never inside.

Trust PEP BOYS or AUTOZONE parts if you like, but I wouldn't do it for MY car! That is not something I would be willing to gamble on.

 

That's what I figured, a timing BELT. I don't know too much about these aspects of the car, so thanks for bearing with me. Now I do hear the noise coming from the waterpump area. And as far as I've seen, no drip. Would I see if there is a leak on the ground when I park, or some other way? I've had the car since it had 50k. What's the red coolant for (It's probably a dumb question but...)? I'm gonna call Carson to get my pump/belt. You're absolutely right, I love my car way too much to put it to chance like that~! ANd again, thanks for your help, I see you know plenty about this, so I'm listening very attentively!

 

Oh yeah, and another question...is this something that is very hard to change (in other words, should I go to Lexus, or should a good mechanic be able to do this with no problem)? And if so, what are the more delicate areas of the change?